XL bully: Watch Battersea locals on safety following recent attack

Battersea locals remain split on whether XL Bully dogs are safe following the area’s recent attack by a dog suspected to be of the breed.

On Monday (March 18), four men were taken to hospital after they were attacked.

Since February 1, it is a criminal offence to own or possess an American XL bully without an exemption certificate.

In 2023 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said XL bullies were disproportionately involved in the 23 deaths from dog attacks since 2021.

Reflecting on the recent incident, Battersea resident Milly said: “We don’t need a breed of dog that’s going around attacking people.

“The trouble is, the types of people that want to own an aggressive dog are usually aggressive themselves. Otherwise, why would you want a dog that’s going to go round and bite kids?"

Milly said existing laws to muzzle and register XL bullies were insufficient. Instead, she believes the government should not allow these dogs into the UK, and should prosecute anyone breeding them.

Dez told LondonWorld: “The only difference with an XL Bully is they’ve got more power. A poodle could attack you, but obviously it’s not going to cause much damage, is it?”

He said he had previously walked past and stroked XL bullies, and had experienced no trouble with them.

Other residents feel XL bully owners are the ones responsible for their dogs’ behaviour.

Luke said: “I’m sure not every XL bully is going around murdering children, but the ones who aren’t being looked after properly are doing that. I don’t think there are any bad dogs, I think there are bad dog owners.”

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news from across London directly to your phone

Currently, XL bully owners must comply with restrictions including keeping XL bullies muzzled and on a lead in public, and having their dogs neutered and microchipped.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said of the ban: “The ban on XL bullies is now in place meaning it is illegal to own one of these dogs unless it has been registered.

“We have delivered our pledge to bring in this important measure to protect public safety, and we expect all XL bully owners to comply with the strict conditions.”