FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC) Advocates for Responsible Dog Ownership Amidst Proposed XL Bully Ban and Urges Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Prevent Unjust Euthanasia of Innocent Dogs
The European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC), a prominent International dog breed registry founded in 2008, strongly opposes the proposed ban on XL Bully breeds set to take effect on December 31, 2023, in the United Kingdom. The EBKC is committed to the promotion of the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs, while advocating for responsible dog ownership.
Key Points:
- Opposition to Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): The EBKC firmly opposes any Legislation that deems a dog “dangerous” based on specific breeds or phenotypic classes of dogs, known as Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL, in its various forms, targets specific breeds and has proven to be both technically and morally ineffective.
- Focus on Responsible Ownership: The EBKC believes that dog owners should be responsible for their dogs, and the law should impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners. Rather than targeting specific breeds, the focus should be on well-defined procedures for dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous, emphasizing individual owner responsibility.
- Public Education as a Key Strategy: The EBKC advocates for public education about responsible pet ownership, proper dog training, socialization, and understanding of dog behavior. By addressing these key aspects, communities can significantly contribute to reducing dog bites and improving public safety.
- Enforcement of Animal Control Laws: The EBKC emphasizes the importance of strongly enforcing existing animal control laws, such as leash laws, to prevent the free roaming of pets and ensure the safety of both the animals and the public.
- Legislation Based on Behavior, Not Breed: The EBKC calls for legislation focused on behavior rather than breed or the appearance of the dog. By enacting laws that target irresponsible owners and their behavior, communities can address the root cause of dog-related incidents more effectively.
Direct Appeal to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:
The EBKC urgently calls upon Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reconsider this proposed ban, recognizing the severe consequences it may have on XL Bully breeds and other bull breeds with similar characteristics. This knee-jerk reaction ban puts these dogs at risk of unfair euthanasia, a dire consequence that does not address the root cause of dog-related incidents.
Andrea Selvaggi, President of the European Bully Kennel Club, stated: “We are deeply concerned about the unjust consequences of this proposed ban, particularly the risk of unfairly euthanizing XL Bully breeds and other dog breeds that might be mislabelled due to similar characteristics. We implore Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to work with us to find a more compassionate and effective solution that upholds the principles of responsible ownership and community safety.”
About the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC):
The European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC), established in 2008, is an International dog breed registry dedicated to promoting the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs. Recognizing 23 breeds, the EBKC is committed to ethical breeding, responsible ownership, and the preservation of bull breed type dogs.
