In a deeply unfortunate incident, a Lancashire family is grieving the loss of their pet XL Bully dog, Bruno, after he was mistakenly euthanized by local police.
The family was in the process of applying for an exemption to keep him when the tragic error occurred.
In response, Lancashire Police issued a formal and “unreserved apology,” acknowledging the mistake, which they attributed to an administrative error.
An Administration Error Led to Bruno’s Death
According to a police statement, Bruno had been seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act, as XL Bullies are a banned breed in the UK.
While authorities were preparing a legal case to determine if the family could face charges, an administrative oversight resulted in Bruno being euthanized before the court could decide his fate.
The police assured the public that they have since implemented new procedures to prevent this from happening again.
Local MP Calls for Answers
Lizzi Collinge, the Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale, voiced her concern over the incident, stating that this should have been a “never event.”
She expressed her shock at the situation and is actively seeking accountability from the police.
Collinge emphasized that proper procedures should have been in place to safeguard against such a tragic mistake and committed to supporting the family through this difficult time.
Government’s Response to XL Bully Attacks
The incident comes in the wake of a government ban on XL Bully dogs, a breed associated with a series of fatal maulings.
Since 2021, at least 11 people have lost their lives due to attacks by this breed, with victims ranging from toddlers to the elderly.
The ban makes it illegal to own, breed, or sell XL Bullies without special permission.
Owners who receive exemptions must meet strict conditions, including neutering their dogs and obtaining third-party liability insurance.
Continuing Concerns Over Dog Attacks
Despite the ban, attacks by XL Bullies continue to raise alarm.
Just days after the law took effect, 68-year-old Esther Martin was tragically killed by XL Bullies in Essex, reigniting concerns over the effectiveness of the ban.
Critics argue that the law has not curbed the problem, as many of these dogs are still being rehomed illegally.
Doug Smith, a member of Bully Watch, remarked that the ban hasn’t stopped irresponsible ownership, describing the situation as “tricky and messy” for the police to manage.
What’s Next for XL Bully Owners and Authorities?
The situation remains complicated for authorities trying to enforce the XL Bully ban.
With continued incidents of attacks, some believe the current approach isn’t working, as irresponsible owners continue to rehome the dogs illegally.
As the debate over breed-specific bans continues, the focus now shifts to whether stricter enforcement and better education around responsible pet ownership can help prevent further tragedies.
Lizzi Collinge and others are demanding clearer answers from the police and more transparency around changes being made to ensure that this type of heartbreaking mistake doesn’t happen again.
Meanwhile, families affected by the law remain in limbo as they navigate the legal and emotional challenges of owning a now-banned breed.
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