'Very cold-hearted!' Dog trainer says some XL Bullies are just 'sweet little lambs'

Restrictions were imposed on XL Bullies from February 1 following a spate of fatal incidents.

It is now an offence to own one in England and Wales without an exemption certificate or to walk one without a lead and muzzle.

Speaking to GB News was Jon Gardner, a dangerous dog trainer, who said: "They shouldn't be on the streets, they shouldn't be in people's houses, and more importantly, they shouldn't continue to be bred.

"However, in fairness, there are a lot of XL bullies out there and I've met a fair few that are sweet little lambs, if you excuse the cliché.

"An attitude where euthanising them, and we're talking about a cull here killing all the XL bullies, is simply not fair.

"If it solved the problem, I could take that bitter pill. But it will not solve the problem.

"I think that's easier said than done. And I think you would have to be a very cold-hearted person to turn up to some of the family homes that I know and take these dogs away from children.

"I think that the answer to the problem isn't as simple as filling out a form online. It means spending a little bit of money and making a bit of effort."

He explained: "I think the government has taken the easiest and the cheapest option.

"And as you can see, it hasn't solved anything. And it will continue to not solve the problem."

The expert said: "There are a group of dogs that can't be owned by anyone.

"They're just simply not safe to be owned by members of the public. That is where the problem lies. I don't think that euthanising all the XL bullies in the country is fair."

The UK Government published guidance to help identify XL bullies, external which are not recognised as a specific breed.

They are described as large dogs "with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for [their] size".