Abandoned XL Bullies may be put down, Watford Council says

Clarifying its position on the controversial breed, the council said it will have to consider euthanizing them if they are not claimed within seven days of being seized.

Under the Environmental Protection Act, local authorities are responsible for collecting stray animals and will become their legal owner after a week. 

But the council admitted the new laws on XL bully ownership, which came into effect on January 31, mean the dogs may face the “difficult outcome” of euthanasia.

Watford deputy mayor, councillor Aga Dychton said the council tries to rehome strays whenever possible and its decision-making process is guided by veterinary advice.

But she added: “XL bully dogs present a unique challenge, as legal constraints prevent us from rehoming or transferring ownership.

Cllr Aga Dychton said the breed presented a unique challenge for the council.

“This leaves us, like many authorities in England, with limited options after the seven-day period, often leading to the consideration of euthanasia.”

Cllr Dychton added that they will consult with police before considering euthanasia if a stray restricted-dog is not aggressive, and that the council aims to ensure “the best possible outcome for these animals".

WBC has not yet intervened in XL bully cases since the law came into force, but it hopes owners will continue to comply with the requirements so it does not have to.

Earlier this year, it became illegal to sell, abandon, breed, or give away the dogs after a spate of attacks last year.

Owners must now hold an exemption certificate and keep the restricted dogs on a muzzle and lead when in public.

Pat Clark, owner of Hertfordshire animal shelter Mutts In Distress, said the prospect of putting the dogs down was “atrocious” and that each animal should be judged “on its own merit”.

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The dog rescue organisation, based near Bishops Stortford, collects and rehomes dogs from local pounds that would otherwise be put to sleep.

“All the XLs that I have come into contact with have been big, soppy dogs and it’s just that they have a certain look about them," Clark added.

“If three or four giant poodles killed somebody in a pack, would they go out and ban all poodles?”

Clark called instead for the restrictions to be repealed, labelling the blanket ban a “national disgrace”.