Sale vets reveals surge in appointments for XL Bullies

White Cross Vets, on Cross Street, started a half-price offer on neutering after the introduction of legislation at the end of last year.

From January 1, it became an offence to have an XL Bully in public without a lead or a muzzle, as well as to breed or to distribute the dogs. It came after a number of attacks including one incident involving a six-year-old girl a matter of miles away in Carrington.

From February 1, it will become an offence to have an XL Bully without a certificate of exemption, for which one requirement is the dogs are neutered before June 30 this year if aged over one this month or before the end of this year if aged under one this month.

The Sale veterinarians said it is swamped with appointments, one of the first of which was Kya, who underwent innovate non-invasive laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery, earlier in the month.

Ann-Marie Finch-Spencer, practice manager for White Cross Vets, said: "XL Bully owners are worried about the legislation and what it means for their pets as well as how their pets are perceived. It is important people remember most XL Bullies are affectionate, although they are strong, so it is always advisable to exercise caution to avoid any issues.

"The owners need to be aware XL Bullies are a crossbreed which Kennel Club standards do not exist for and the legislation is about the type of dog and its appearance rather than the breed. Therefore, the government set out specifications for the breed, which include the size of their head and muzzle, their build, and the height and length of their body, so owners of similar-looking dogs need to consider this."

For information on XL Bullies go to gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs. 

For information on White Cross Vets go to whitecrossvets.co.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.