Vets refuse to euthanise XL Bully dogs after threats and abuse

Veterinary clinics are refusing to euthanise healthy American XL Bully dogs amid reports of death threats and abuse.

The first stage of a ban on the breed began on 1 January 2024, after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said they are a “danger to our communities” following a string of attacks.

It means it is now illegal to rehome, breed or sell and XL Bully dog.

The full ban, which means it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate, begins on 1 February.

Owners who want to keep their dog must also have public liability insurance and keep the dog micropchipped, muzzled in public and neutered.

Alternatively, they can take their dog to be euthanised and the government will contribute £200 towards costs.

i reported last year on fears that the government’s ban could “collapse” due to a lack of capacity in police kennels, council services and veterinary practices.

One survey carried out by David Martin of the IVC Evidensia vet chain found that of 200 newly-graduated vets, 94 per cent would refuse to euthanise a healthy XL Bully with no behaviour issues.

Vets are not obliged to put an animal to sleep and i has established that a number of clinics across the country have publicly stated they will not euthanise a healthy XL Bully dog.

Cavan Vets, a business with two branches in the West Midlands, said: “Our practice protocol is, and always has been, that we will not euthanise a healthy animal.

“Our staff work tirelessly to help and support not only owned pets but also strays who are in difficulty and to be asked to euthanise an animal unless absolutely necessary goes against all that we stand for.

“We are happy to provide information and advice to any XL bully owner who requires it we just ask that we are not asked to euthanise as we will unfortunately have to refuse.”

Pegasus Vets in Lincoln issued a similar statement saying: “We believe animals are our family and this is why we are committed to never euthanising any healthy animal.

“We have not taken this stand since the ban was imposed we have always had this policy in place

“Stand with us in trying to get other vets to adopt this policy and together we will force the government to stop the ban of XL Bully type fur babies.”

And in Essex, Animal Angels said: “Animal Angels veterinary clinic will be refusing to euthanise any healthy XL Bully. So please do not contact us for an appointment.”

There are thought to be as many as 100,000 XL Bully dogs in circulation in the UK, with a particular concentration in the North of England.

On December 18, the Government said only 4,000 applications for exemption had been received.

It comes after the British Veterinary Association said earlier this week it has received several reports of telephone calls asking practices to give their stance on euthanising XL Bully dogs and that some had involved threats.

Malcolm Morley, senior vice president of the BVA, said: “We understand that this has been an exceptionally stressful and worrying time for the owners of XL Bully-type dogs.

“The Government’s XL Bully ban is also placing additional pressure on veterinary teams who are doing their best in very challenging circumstances to help keep responsible XL Bully owners with their pets wherever possible.

“Their commitment extends to supporting clients with any decision-making around euthanasia in individual cases.

“It’s simply unacceptable for these professionals to face additional challenges through abuse, intimidation or threats. Such actions can have a hugely negative impact on individual vets and the wider team.

“As with any conversation around euthanasia, vets will always engage in supportive, two-way discussions with owners, including consideration of the potential negative impacts refusal to euthanase may have on the dog’s long-term welfare.

“BVA urges all members of the public to remain kind and courteous to vet teams during this emotionally charged time and to carefully consider the impact of their words and actions. We also urge all concerned practices and individual vets to take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.”