In an endeavour to illuminate the alternative perspective of the XL Bully breed, esteemed English rugby player Ben Spencer has entered the discourse surrounding the contentious decision to prohibit the dogs in England and Wales. Despite the breed’s recent negative portrayal in the media following high-profile attacks, Spencer aims to present a different viewpoint and promote responsible dog ownership.
Spencer, a player for Bath and England, has expressed his wish for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to meet his American XL Bully, Zola, whom he regards as a cherished member of the family. He stressed the significance of showcasing the breed’s positive attributes while also acknowledging the necessity of public safety.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Spencer voiced his concerns about the ban, highlighting the ineffectiveness of breed-specific legislation. He noted that merely banning a breed does not address the underlying issue of irresponsible breeding and ownership practices. Spencer’s wife, Jordan, echoed his sentiments, underscoring the exploitation of the XL Bully breed for monetary gain by unlicensed breeders.
In support of their position, Spencer and his wife are endorsing the campaign group Don’t Ban Me, Licence Me, which aims to lobby the Government to reconsider its approach to Breed Specific Legislation. The current proposal suggests that the XL Bully breed will be prohibited, but existing dogs like Zola will be allowed to stay with their owners under specific conditions, including microchipping, neutering, and the use of muzzles in public areas.
Furthermore, the couple is dedicated to educating dog owners and advocating for mandatory licensing regulations with the Government. Their objective is to raise awareness about responsible dog breeding and ownership practices, emphasising the significance of temperament and genetics in addition to financial considerations.
Spencer’s involvement in this initiative reflects the broader effort to foster a balanced and informed discussion about XL Bullies and similar breeds. By drawing attention to the complexities surrounding breed-specific legislation and the impact of irresponsible breeding, Spencer and his wife are working towards a more comprehensive solution to address public safety concerns without unfairly penalising responsible dog owners.
On the whole, the couple’s commitment to advocating for more responsible dog ownership through education and engagement with policymakers serves as a vital contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding the XL Bully breed and the implications of breed-specific legislation. Their efforts underscore the need for a collaborative and multi-faceted approach to animal welfare and public safety.