Colchester dog lover to stage protest against XL Bully ban

The American XL Bully has been branded a danger to the public by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and by the end of the year the breed could be outlawed.

Downing Street plans to introduce legislation which will require owners to ensure their dog is neutered, microchipped and trained to wear a muzzle.

They will also need to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep their dogs, give evidence their dog is not a danger to the public and comply with rules around banned breeds.

Dog days - a photo of Saffron with her neighbour's dog, Yogi (Image: Public)

Animal activist Saffron Davis, 26, of Porters Close, Colchester, however, believes banning the American XL Bully will not be helpful.

Saffron, who is studying to become a certified dog trainer, is the proud owner of a six-month-old puppy named Nanna which is a mix between a Saint Bernard, Boxer, and Johnson American bulldog.

She wants to see more dog owners held accountable for the way in which they train and treat their dogs, believing their upbringing to be the cause of the problem, not the breed.

Canines - a photo of Saffron with the dogs Zina and Yogi (Image: Saffron Davis)

She said: “[The ban] won’t make a difference - there is always going to be a breed to blame regardless [the situation].

“It’s about time we end specific breed laws and start blaming the people holding the other end of the leash.

“We should start blaming the backyard breeders, puppy farms, and the poor generational manipulation of dogs, there is no excuse."

As someone who grew up with different family pets, Saffron discovered her love for bull breeds and dogs in general after attending Otley College where she met many loveable canine friends.

For Saffron, it was “beautiful to see that relationship between owner and dog” and has been a keen dog enthusiast ever since.

She is now keen to play her part in speaking-up for bully breeds, not least given the positive impact her neighbour’s dog Yogi had on her when she battled endometriosis.

In the hope of influencing change, Saffron is now planning a meet-up for dog lovers in Colchester to protest against the decision to add the American XL Bully to the banned breed list.

Puppy love - Saffron and her dog, Nanna (Image: Saffron Davis)

Saffron said: “I need to do my bit, I can’t sit here and watch the breed be slagged off [anymore], [especially those] who have never been in contact with the breed.

“It is honestly heartbreaking to witness. So instead of watching everything pan out I need to be proactive - if it’s spreading awareness to at least one person, it can make a difference."

People interested in taking part in the protest - which is currently in the process of being organised - are invited to join a Telegram group to find out more.

To do so visit shorturl.at/dsOY4.