In the wake of an impending ban on XL Bully dogs, over 200 of these canines are at risk of being put down within days. The breed, which has been linked to three-quarters of fatal attacks in recent years, has faced increasing scrutiny and calls for regulation. As the ban's deadline on New Year's Eve approaches, shelters across England and Wales are reporting a surge in abandoned XL Bully dogs, while some owners are resorting to sending their pets to Scotland where the ban does not apply.

Introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak earlier this year, the ban will make it illegal to sell, abandon, give away, or breed dogs that meet the criteria for XL Bully classification. From January onwards, XL Bully dogs must be muzzled in public and legally registered. The government has revealed that more than 6,000 XL Bully dogs have already been neutered in an effort to address the breed's potential for aggression.

Recent incidents have further fueled concerns about XL Bully dogs, leading to the ban. Tragic cases of fatal attacks, such as those involving Ian Price in Stonnall, Staffordshire, and Ian Langley in Sunderland, underscore the urgency to address the issue.

However, proponents of XL Bully dogs argue that it is irresponsible owners rather than the breed itself that should be held accountable for such incidents. They believe that proper training and responsible ownership can mitigate any potential risks associated with the breed. It is their view that a complete ban is unnecessary and that more stringent controls on owners would be a fairer approach.

At present, shelters and rescue organizations are facing a challenging race against time to find new homes for the XL Bully dogs in their care. The shelters are overwhelmed, with one based in Rotherham, Helping Yorkshire Poundies, recently appealing for urgent adoptions for 11 XL Bully puppies. The looming ban has added to their distress, with fears that hundreds of XL Bully dogs may be euthanized if they are not rehomed before the deadline.

The ban itself has drawn both support and criticism. The Dog Control Coalition (DCC), which includes animal welfare organizations like the RSPCA, Blue Cross, and Battersea, has expressed concerns about the readiness of the government and police to enforce the ban. The DCC estimates that more than 200 XL Bully dogs are still waiting for new homes and may face euthanasia if they cannot be rehomed in time.

While the ban aims to protect the public from potential harm, critics argue that a focus on responsible ownership and training would be more effective. The argument centers around the belief that the actions of a small percentage of negligent owners should not result in the suffering of a larger number of innocent XL Bully dogs.

As the ban deadline looms, the debate over XL Bully dogs continues. While supporters of the ban assert that it is necessary for public safety, opponents argue that responsible ownership should be the main focus. With the fate of over 200 XL Bully dogs hanging in the balance, the urgency to find them homes before the ban becomes a grim reality remains critical.