Meet the man driving across the country to ‘rescue’ XL bully dogs

A devoted XL bully enthusiast who drives 250 miles every day to find new homes for multiple dogs has reported instances of owners heartlessly abandoning the breed following a recent government prohibition.

Sammy Wilkinson has gained attention for finding new homes for 35 previously banned dogs since October. He has traveled over 6,000 miles, making trips as far as Scotland from his home in the West Midlands.

However, the 29-year-old owner of a tanning salon has informed The Independent that his work has become more challenging due to negligent owners abandoning their pets.

He has found three abandoned animals near his home in Tipton. He also helped rescue another animal that was found emaciated in a cage outside a car wash.

Following an incident in Carshalton, south London, where a single XL bully was discovered bound and burned, this event occurred.

According to Mr Wilkinson, there has been an increase in abandoned XL bully dogs in the area, either due to the owners waiting too long or panicking. This is a heartbreaking situation and further highlights the inefficiency of the government’s breed ban as a solution to this issue.

The government implemented a prohibition on XL bully dogs in an effort to address an increase in aggressive incidents. As of 1 January, it is unlawful to purchase or sell this breed in England and Wales, and owners are required to keep them restrained with a leash and muzzle when outside.

Prior to a complete prohibition of the breed on February 1st, individuals with exemption certificates, which mandate pet insurance and spaying/neutering, may continue to keep their dogs.

The recent change in legislation has caused a rush among pet owners to either obtain certificates or find new homes for their pets. In light of this, Mr. Wilkinson generously offered assistance in rehoming dogs and has since traveled extensively to do so.

On the night before New Year’s, he was photographed transporting two dogs to a new residence in Scotland, where the restriction does not apply. Last Friday, he transported one dog to County Durham, and on Tuesday he will be heading to Carlisle for a “meet and greet” event in preparation for a possible relocation.

He mentioned that individuals approach him constantly. He feels for the owners’ desperation and wishes he could assist more of them.

However, according to Mr. Wilkinson, certain owners are choosing to abandon their pets.

He aided in the rescue of a dog that was confined in a cage at a car wash in Dudley Port on Thursday night. He has also discovered three XL bully dogs that were abandoned, one of which was near a canal in Darlaston and another was captured after a two-day search in Wednesbury.

There was strong opposition against the ban on the breed, with the RSPCA suggesting that the government should implement dog licensing and training for owners in order to reduce the frequency of attacks.

As shelters began refusing to accept this particular breed, the organization predicted an increase in the number of dogs being abandoned.

According to Mr. Wilklinson, the government has misunderstood the situation. Dogs are born without any preconceived traits, so it is the responsibility of their owners to shape them into well-behaved individuals. It is unjust to label a certain breed as inherently problematic.

The environment secretary, Steve Barclay, stated that the prime minister made a promise to swiftly and decisively address the issue of dangerous dog attacks, with plans in place by the end of 2023.

“We have fulfilled our promise – it is now mandatory for XL bully dogs to wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash in public. Furthermore, it is against the law to breed, sell, advertise, give away, trade, abandon, or allow XL bully dogs to roam freely.”

Source: independent.co.uk