UK Considers Banning American Bully Breed Under the Dangerous Dogs Act

UK Government Mulls Over Banning the American Bully Breed Following Recent Attacks

The UK government, led by Mr. Sunak, is contemplating legally defining and subsequently banning the American Bully breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This act is applicable in England, Wales, and Scotland. The breed, which originated in the US in the late 1980s from a cross between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, has been involved in recent attacks, prompting this consideration.

Facts of the News
UK government considers banning the American Bully breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act
The breed originated in the US in the late 1980s
Some countries have restrictions on the American Bully breed, including mandatory muzzling in the Republic of Ireland

The United Kennel Club in the US describes the American Bully as an “excellent family dog” with a “gentle and friendly” demeanor despite its powerful appearance. However, it also notes that “some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed,” but aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic. The breed is restricted in some countries, including the Republic of Ireland, where it must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) when out in public.

Under the current provisions of the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act, owning any dog that is “dangerously out of control” is illegal. The law specifically bans the Pit Bull Terrier, and dogs that share physical characteristics with banned breeds, including cross breeds, are also prohibited. In case of legal disputes, the owner has the onus to prove that their dog is not a banned type. Failure to prove this or pleading guilty leads to conviction, with penalties including an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison, and the dog being destroyed.

The consideration to ban the American Bully breed comes amidst a surge in attacks involving this breed. If the breed is legally defined and banned, it will join the list of breeds prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and controlling dog aggression.

Dangerous Dogs Act Defined
The Dangerous Dogs Act is a law in the UK that prohibits owning any dog that is “dangerously out of control.” It bans specific breeds and imposes strict regulations on dog ownership to prevent attacks and ensure public safety. The act encompasses England, Wales, and Scotland. Learn more about the Dangerous Dogs Act on Wikipedia.

What is the stance of the United Kennel Club in the US regarding the American Bully breed?

The United Kennel Club in the US perceives the American Bully as an “excellent family dog” with a “gentle and friendly” demeanor. Despite acknowledging some level of dog aggression as a characteristic of the breed, it emphasizes that aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic for American Bullies.

What are the current provisions of the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act?

The UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits owning any dog that is “dangerously out of control.” It bans specific breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier, and extends to dogs that share physical characteristics with the banned breeds. Owners involved in legal disputes have the responsibility to prove their dog is not a banned type, failing which they can face severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.

What prompted the UK government to consider banning the American Bully breed?

The UK government is considering the ban on the American Bully breed following recent attacks involving these dogs. The move aims to enhance public safety by controlling dog aggression and preventing potential attacks in the future.

Source: BBC News

Royal Chase: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s Terrifying Paparazzi Pursuit

A royal night out turned into a horrifying pursuit for Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Markle’s mother, as they were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” with relentless paparazzi. The high-speed chase, which occurred after the trio attended an awards ceremony in New York on Tuesday, had the potential to turn into a fatal disaster.

The news of the terrifying incident was reported by Reuters and Sky News, who received the details from a spokesperson for the Prince. The spokesperson revealed that the paparazzi’s pursuit lasted over two hours and resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers. The chase was described as relentless and highly dangerous, pushing the limits of public safety.

The incident raises serious concerns about the safety of the royal couple and their family, and the intrusive behaviour of the paparazzi. The pursuit also endangered the lives of other drivers on the road, showing a blatant disregard for public safety.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have been living in the United States after stepping back from their royal duties, have been the subjects of intense media scrutiny. The paparazzi’s relentless pursuit of the couple, often crossing ethical boundaries, has been a matter of concern for the couple and their supporters.

The couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties and move to the United States was, in part, driven by the extreme media scrutiny they experienced in the UK. This incident shows that the problem is not limited to any one country, but is a global issue that needs to be addressed.

While the couple has found some respite from the relentless media scrutiny in their new home, the incident shows that the paparazzi continue to pose a significant threat to their privacy and safety.

This incident is a stark reminder of the tragic death of Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash while being chased by paparazzi in Paris in 1997. The royal family has been vocal about the need for stricter regulation of the press and the paparazzi, and this incident only reinforces their stance.

While the royal couple emerged unscathed from the ordeal, the incident is a stark reminder of the risks they face in their daily lives. The chase, described as “near catastrophic,” could have had devastating consequences, and raises questions about the safety of celebrities and their families.

The incident once again brings the issue of paparazzi harassment into the spotlight. The relentless pursuit of celebrities, often crossing the boundaries of privacy and safety, is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed by media organizations and law enforcement agencies.

As fans of the royal couple express their concern and support, the incident has sparked renewed debates about the role of the paparazzi, celebrity privacy, and the need for stricter regulation. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the ongoing discussions about media ethics and paparazzi behaviour.