NEW RULES BAN LEAVING CHILDREN UNDER 12 ALONE WITH XL BULLIES

New legislation in England and Wales will make it illegal to leave children under 12 alone with XL bullies and other dogs classified as dangerous. The law follows incidents involving dog attacks on children, including one fatal attack on a 10-year-old girl. Owners who breach the rules face fines or seizure of their dogs.

The legislation extends existing restrictions on dangerous dog breeds and places specific obligations on owners with children in the household. According to the government, XL bullies have been involved in a number of high-profile attacks in recent years. Calls for tighter controls on such breeds have followed these incidents. Penalties for non-compliance include both financial sanctions and the removal of animals from owners.

The measures alter the legal framework governing dangerous dog ownership in England and Wales. Authorities will hold the power to seize dogs where owners are found to have breached the conditions. The legislation targets a defined category of breeds rather than applying to all dog ownership. Further details of enforcement procedures are set to accompany the formal introduction of the law.