A MAN has been killed in Staffordshire after being attacked by two dangerous dogs, as the PM confirmed the XL Bully breed WILL be banned in the UK.
A Primary Academy in Stonnall, Staffordshire, was placed on lockdown, with children prevented from leaving "for safety reasons" after a man died from being mauled to death by two dogs on Thursday.
At present, it is unclear which breed of dogs killed the unnamed man in the horror attack.
It comes as Rishi Sunak on Friday confirmed XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year, after Home Secretary Suella Braverman revealed she wanted to outlaw the breed.
The PM said in a video posted on Twitter: "These dogs are dangerous and I want to reassure the public we will take all the necessary steps to keep them safe."
Bullys have been linked to nine deaths, including three children, since 2021.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
13 minutes ago By Jimmy Grant
Brits 270 times more likely to be killed by American Bullys
American bullys, including the XL breed, have been responsible for 73 per cent of dog-related deaths in Britain since last year.
This is despite them only accounting for a tiny proportion of the total canine population.
Brits are 270 times more likely to be killed by American bullys than by any other breed, Bully Watch UK say.
Today, 04:00 By Jimmy Grant
Ban on the breed ‘long overdue’
Doug Smith, who runs the group, told The Sun a ban on the breed was long-overdue – but he was sceptical over whether it would be effectively enforced.
He said: “We welcome talk of a ban but the truth is it has to be done quickly – we’re counting down until someone else is killed.
“Each day that goes by, we’re seeing more attacks and we’ve already had far too many.
“The Birmingham attack caught on video was very powerful but many more like that are happening all the time.
“The havoc these dogs can cause is unbelievable and sometimes it will take as many as five or eight men to contain them because of these dogs’ muscularity and power..
He said too many “irresponsible” owners were buying the breed, mistakenly seeing them as “very loyal” and “people-centric”.
He added: “The damage they cause is so much more significant than other kinds of dogs.
“These dogs are bad news and the government needs to get its act together, not just to ban them but also to actually enforce that rather than just applying a sticking plaster.
“Even a delay of a few months could be disastrous.”
Today, 03:00 By Jimmy Grant
How many XL Bully dog attacks have there been?
Campaign group Bully Watch UK has documented 351 attacks by the dogs this year alone.
They say 43 per cent of all maulings are caused by XL Bullys and there has been a 435 per cent surge in dog attacks overall since 2013.
They also recorded 14 deaths in attacks by the animals in 2021 – 11 confirmed and another three suspected.
Today, 02:00 By Jimmy Grant
Four children attacked by dogs including XL Bully
Four children have been attacked by their family dogs — including an XL Bully.
The horror, which saw a two-year-old savaged, happened across September 8 and 9 in south Yorkshire.
It’s understood the tot was the youngest victim when the household pet launched into a terrifying frenzy.
Cops say a girl, 15, was taken to hospital after her XL Bully launched at her.
South Yorkshire Police said: “Nationally, and within South Yorkshire, we are seeing an increase in dangerous dog incidents and the severity of the risk they pose to members of the public.”
Today, 01:00 By Jimmy Grant
‘Ban on XL Bully dogs WON’T stop attacks’
Britain’s leading dog bite expert says a ban on XL Bully dogs WON’T stop attacks – with five other breeds behind most maulings.
James McNally, aka ‘The Dog Bite Solicitor’, said problems with dangerous dogs in Britain go “much deeper” than a single breed.
His firm deals with around 400 dog bite-related claims at a time but none of them currently concern XL Bully dogs.
American bullys have been responsible for 73 per cent of dog-related deaths in the UK since 2022 but make up a tiny percentage of the total canine population.
He explained: “For the last 30 years lawmakers have been struggling to enforce poorly thought-through legislation.
“The last thing we need is more of the same. Banning XL Bullies isn’t going to stop dog attacks.
“If they are banned, they aren’t just going to disappear overnight, and I suspect all that will happen is a new type of dog will be bred which gets round the ban.”
Today, 00:00 By Jimmy Grant
Mother of boy killed by XL Bully left in tears after ban announcement
Jack Lis’ mum has spoken out following Rishi Sunak’s announcement on banning the XL Bully breed today.
Jack Lis was killed by a hulking XL Bully dog named Beast as he played at friend’s home in Caerphilly.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, she wrote: “I’m sobbing. I’m sat on my own sobbing. I don’t even have words right now.”
Today, 23:00 By Jimmy Grant
What is the Pit Bull Terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred in England for fighting in sports such as bear baiting during the early 19th-century, often taking place in a “pit.”
Those sports were deemed inhumane and became illegal in 1835 and dog-fighting sprung up in its place, when the trait for dog aggression started being bred into the genetic line.
According to the United Kennel Club (UKC), the essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence and zest for life.
It is a medium-sized, intelligent, short-haired dog of solid build.
Today, 22:00 By Jimmy Grant
Teens as young as 14 are crossbreeding dangerous XL Bullys with terrifying Gator Mouths
Children as young as 14 are breeding Britain’s dangerous XL Bullys – as thugs create terrifying new “Frankendogs”.
Teenagers are cashing in on the devil dogs which could soon be banned in Britain.
The Sun found XLs are being mixed with banned pitbulls, including one called a Gator Mouth that has a broader jaw and razor-sharp teeth that can tear apart flesh.
Our probe also reveals that breeders are offering cut-price, buy-now-pay-later deals on Bullys — which one expert claims are 270 TIMES more dangerous than other dogs.
Gail Jones, whose 83-year-old mum Shirley Patrick died after being mauled by an XL in December last year, said: “These animals are vicious and need to be banned now.
“It’s like walking down the street with a bear or a tiger.”
Today, 21:30 By Jimmy Grant
Tragic last post of Ian Price mauled to death by two XL Bullys while ‘protecting his elderly mum from beasts’
This is the tragic last post of the man mauled to death by two XL Bully dogs while allegedly trying to protect his elderly mum.
Ian Price shared a photo of the morning sun breaking through clouds last Sunday.
He told Facebook friends "Morning everyone" alongside a jolly emoji in the post just before 8am.
On Thursday, just four days after he shared the tranquil sunrise, the 52-year-old Aston Villa fan was dead.
He suffered catastrophic injuries when two hell hounds leapt out of a neighbour's window before jumping through a hedge.
He was attacked in a garden in Stonall, Staffordshire, as he tried to protect his mum.
Today, 21:00 By Jimmy Grant
Owner of vicious XL Bullys which savaged man, 52, boasted beast was a ‘mean-looking f***er’ before fatal attack
The owner of the vicious XL Bullys which mauled a man to death boasted his dog was a "mean-looking f***er" before the frenzied attack.
Ian Price was killed as he raced to protect his mum from the two ferocious pets.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
HELL HOUND Owner of killer XL Bullys boasted beast was 'mean looking f***er' before attack
Today, 20:30 By Jimmy Grant
What the PM said about banning XL Bullys
American XL Bully dogs will be BANNED by the end of the year, Rishi Sunak announced yesterday.
The PM said the breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act following a spate of terrifying attacks.
Vowing to bring in new laws by the end of the year, he promised to work "fast" to protect the public.
The PM said in a video posted on X/Twitter: "These dogs are dangerous and I want to reassure the public we will take all the necessary steps to keep them safe."
Today, 20:00 By Jimmy Grant
How much does an XL Bully cost?
The price of a dog can vary considerably, depending on who you buy from, colour and gender.
Other factors that affect this include the rarity of the breed, whether you're looking to buy a popular cross breed, or a purebred, and if the dog has been trained in advance.
The price of puppies soared during national Covid lockdowns in the UK and it was reported in June 2021 that prices had quadrupled, as lockdown supercharged the demand for furry friends.
Prices for American Bully XLs will vary, but they're not cheap.
Pups are on sale for between ￡650 and ￡3,000 on dog selling platform Forever Puppy.
Today, 19:30 By Jimmy Grant
Man dies after being mauled by two dogs
A man has died after being mauled to death by two dogs – yards from terrified kids leaving a primary school.
Brave passers-by tried to rip the dogs off the man after they attacked him at around 3.12pm yesterday in Stonall, Staffordshire.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
MAULED BY DOGS Man dies after being attacked by 2 dogs - before rampaging pet throttled
Today, 19:00 By Jimmy Grant
Former home secretary weighs in on on ban
Commenting on the new ban, Lord Baker, the former home secretary who brought in the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991, told LBC: "I strongly support what the Prime Minister has said.
"It should be done almost immediately because this is a very dangerous breed and it has actually killed children and attacked other people, and I do not accept the views of the Kennel Club and the RSPCA that breeds should not be banned.
"This dog is, in fact, bred in order to fight and to be aggressive. It has already done enough damage and the Prime Minister is absolutely right to add it."
Credit: UK Parliament
Today, 18:30 By Jimmy Grant
What has the home secretary said about XL Bully ban?
Suella Braverman commissioned urgent advice on the breed following another attack on a child that happened on September 9, 2023.
Writing on social media following the incident, Braverman said: “This is appalling.
"This is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children. We can’t go on like this.
"I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.”
Credit: Alamy
Today, 18:00 By Jimmy Grant
Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?
American XL Bullys are set to be added to the banned list in the UK.
The list currently includes Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros.
If someone is caught in possession of one of these breeeds, the dog can be taken away even if it hasn't done anything dangerous.
According to the government website, police do not need a warrant to take the dog away, unless it is in a private place.
If the dog is taken by police, it will be judged by a council dog expert to determine if "it is or could be a danger to the public" - it will then either be released back to the owner or kept in kennels.
An owner must then prove their dog isn't a banned breed for it to be returned to them.
Credit: Alamy
Today, 17:30 By Jimmy Grant
What will happen to cross breeds as American XL Bully dog ban is introduced?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed American XL Bully dogs will be banned in the UK by the end of the year after a spate of brutal attacks.
The PM announced on Friday the "aggressive" breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Following the planned ban, after the law officially changes, it will be an offence to own, breed, gift or sell an American XL Bully.
Ministers are aiming to safely manage the existing population of the dog breed and will introduce a transition period.
American XL Bully owners who do not come forward during this period will be committing a criminal offence if they are found to be keeping such animals.
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 time in public.
Today, 17:00 By Jimmy Grant
What will happen once the American XL Bully breed is banned in the UK?
Mr Sunak 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 time 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/Twitter: "These dogs are dangerous and I want to reassure the public we will take all the necessary steps to keep them safe."
On September 16 this year,
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.
Prof Middlemiss 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.
"Your dog will need to be neutered. It will need to be muzzled when out in public and on a lead and insured.
"But if you comply with these actions, and that means we'll know where these dogs are, which will be a massive benefit, then yes, absolutely you will be able to keep your dog."
16th Sept 2023, 16:30 By Jimmy Grant
When will the American XL Bully dogs be banned?
On September 15, 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that American XL Bully dogs will be BANNED by the end of 2023.
The PM said the breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act following a spate of terrifying attacks.
He said he shared the nation's "horror" in several videos showing vicious maulings, which included attacks on children.
One man died on September 14, 2023, in Walsall, Staffordshire, after being set upon outside a primary school.
Mr Sunak said: "It's clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it's a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on."
16th Sept 2023, 16:00 By Jimmy Grant
What is an American XL Bully?
American XL Bullys are said to have originated in the US in the late 1980s and are mixed-breed, comprising the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier.
Pit bull terriers were banned in the UK in 1991 after a series of attacks.
Three other dog breeds are also banned in the UK: Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
Underground breeders have been able to mix legal pit bulls with other dogs.
A Sun on Sunday probe in early 2023 found canines being offered for as much as ￡2,500 online.
Campaign group Bully Watch UK has documented over 350 attacks by this breed in 2023 alone.
16th Sept 2023, 15:30 By Jimmy Grant
Britons 270 times more likely to be killed by American bullys
American bullys, including the XL breed, have been responsible for 73 per cent of dog-related deaths in Britain since last year.
This is despite them only accounting for a tiny proportion of the total canine population.
Brits are 270 times more likely to be killed by American bullys than by any other breed, Bully Watch UK say.
16th Sept 2023, 15:00 By Jimmy Grant
Emergency services rushed to scene of latest attack
Emergency services including an air ambulance were scrambled – but it has been sadly confirmed that the man died from his injuries.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival we found a man who had sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition.
“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support and advanced trauma care to him at the scene.
“Treatment continued en route to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was conveyed by land ambulance for further treatment.
“Unfortunately, after arrival at hospital, despite the best efforts it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him he was confirmed deceased.”
16th Sept 2023, 14:30 By Jimmy Grant
Horror moment boy is mauled by out of control dog
This is the shocking moment a 10-year-old boy was mauled by an out-of-control dog in a horror attack as he played outside his home.
The youngster was kicking around a football in his family’s front drive in Walsall on Wednesday when the beast came out of nowhere and leapt on him.
The boy needed hospital treatment – with pics shared by his family showing blood-soaked bandages and deep bites along his arms.
It is the latest in a series of attacks by dogs which has highlighted the fears over XL dogs, with the Government moving to ban the breed.
16th Sept 2023, 14:00 By Jimmy Grant
How is the Dangerous Dogs Act enforced?
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, if a person owns a banned dog, the police or council are allowed to take it away and keep it regardless of whether or not it is acting dangerously or a complaint has been made.
If the animal is in a public place, they can simply be confiscated there and then – but in private, police must have a warrant to take the dog.
After it has been examined by an expert, the dog will either be kept in kennels while the police apply to the court or released.
Once in court, the owner has to prove the dog is not a banned breed and if successful, the dog will be returned.
But if the dog is deemed to be a dangerous type or the owner pleads guilty, they could face an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison as well as the dog being destroyed.
In some instances, the court may decide that although the dog is banned, it is not a danger to the public.
If you have bought a puppy you believe is a Pit Bull Terrier but the dog is friendly and “well socialised”, you can speak to the Met police’s Status Dogs Unit.
If this happens, the owner will be given a Certificate of Exemption and the dog will be put on the national Index of Exempted Dogs.
The certificate is valid for the life of the dog but it must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a leash and muzzled in public and kept in a secure place.
The owner must also insure the dog against injuring other people and be more than 16 years old.
16th Sept 2023, 13:40 By Salma Ouaguira
Britain's hotspots for dog attacks revealed
Figures released by the NHS have shown the horrifying number of victims mauled by XL bully dogs and other breeds.
Results found the top 20 areas of the UK where hospitals perform the most operations to save the victim's lives.
Kent and Medway - 250 Black Countty - 180 Coventry and Warwickshire - 170 Devon - 165 Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West - 160 Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire - 160 Cheshire and Merseyside - 160 Hampshire and Isle of Wight - 160 South East London - 150 Norfold and Waveney - 150 West Yorkshire - 150 North East and North Cumbria - 145 Derby and Derbyshire - 145 North West London - 145 South West London - 145 Sussex - 140 South Yorkshire - 135 West Yorkshire - 130 Hertfordshire and West Essex - 120 Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes - 10
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