Attack in Birmingham sparks debate around ownership
A Manx animal charity has hit out against calls from the UK Home Secretary to ban dogs of a certain breed known as American XL Bully.
Following an attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham over the weekend, Suella Braverman says the animals pose a 'clear and lethal' danger communities, particularly children.
The large, muscular breed is said to have originated in the US in the 1980s, when American pit bull terriers were crossed with American Staffordshire terriers.
The 1991 Dangerous Dog Act bans four breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro, but it's a piece of legislation that's been criticised in some corners as being 'rushed'.
Many have countered the calls for the breed to be added to the list of banned dogs saying it's time irresponsible breeders and owners are held accountable, not the pets.
Anita Williams is the founder of Animals in Distress Isle of Man says XL Bullies are popular with people who want to appear 'harder', but says that culture within dog ownership is more prominent in the UK than the Isle of Man:
Assisted Dying returns to Keys
Farmers facing 'extraordinary stress' following rise in dog attacks
Residents to take on Three Peaks Challenge in aid of suicide prevention
New chair at Patrick Commissioners chosen after five months in role
Three-year-old to represent Island at 2024 British Transplant Games
Netflix shares first look at Heartstopper season 3
