Kerry Katona hits out at American XL Bully ban saying ‘I’ve had a bully – it’s about controlling them’
KERRY Katona has slammed the government’s move to ban American XL Bully dogs following a spate of vicious attacks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to outlaw the breed by the end of the year after shocking footage of a bully savaging a man and 11-year-old girl in Birmingham made headlines.
The attack was then followed by the fatal mauling of Ian Price, 52, from Staffs.
Reacting to the the move in her New magazine column, Kerry, 43, wrote: “I think that’s wrong. I think it’s down to the owners. We are massive animal lovers and I’ve previously had a bully, a Staffordshire bull terrier and I’ve got a rottweiler now – they have reputations.
“I think it’s all down to how they’re brought up. It’s all about the environment, the care and control.”
The PM has ordered officials to work on defining the dangerous breed so it can be banned under the existing Dangerous Dogs Act.
This means it will be illegal to own an American XL Bully in the UK, and legal action will be taken against anyone who has one.
The Sun understands existing XL bullies will be given amnesty, similarly to the 1991 pitbull ban.
But it is likely they will have to wear a muzzle and kept on the lead at all times in public.
Vowing to bring in new laws by the end of 2023, Mr Sunak promised to work “fast” to protect the public.
The PM said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter: “These dogs are dangerous and I want to reassure the public we will take all the necessary steps to keep them safe.”
However, while the breed may be banned, the UK’s chief veterinary officer has said there will not be a cull of the dogs.
Christine Middlemiss said there will be an “amnesty”, where owners will have to register their dogs and take actions including a muzzle in public.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “There will be an amnesty. So people that already have these dogs – and some of them will be well socialised, well managed, well trained – you will need to register and take certain actions.”