The editor of Dogs Today Magazine likened parliamentary inaction over the impending ban on American Bully XL dogs to “the soldiers in the gas chambers”.
Beverley Cuddy made the statement on X in response to the upcoming ban on owning Bullies in England and Wales, effective from 1 February, due to a rise in fatal attacks attributed to the breed. The ban will make it illegal from 31 December to breed, rehome or sell Bullies, and any XL Bullies in rescue homes will be euthanised.
“People in rescue and vets should not have to deal with this,” Cuddy wrote on X. “It's morally wrong to kill these innocent dogs. If the soldiers in the gas chambers had only had the courage to say no... We all must just say ‘no’.”
Yesterday, the Dog Control Coalition called on Rishi Sunak to delay the ban so owners, rescue centre staff and veterinary teams can “act to do the best for the dogs in our care.” Cuddy’s statement came after a government hearing refused the interim injunction.
According to Bully Watch, a campaign formed in response to the growing number of attacks involving the breed, the genetic makeup of Bullies is “often unknown due to constant breeding, making their temperament unpredictable”. The dogs have powerful jaws and can weigh over 60 kg.
“In 2021, out of four fatal dog attacks, Bully XL was responsible for two deaths. In 2022, out of ten fatal dog attacks, seven fatalities listed the American Bully as the breed responsible. Three of the victims have been professional dog handlers.”
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which prohibited the breeding, selling or gifting of banned breeds, four other breeds are also outlawed in the UK: the American pitbull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.
Cuddy, who has vehemently condemned the ban on social media, has been editor of Dogs Today since 1990 and a vocal campaigner for animal rights. In a post on X, she dubbed the ban the “biggest ever massacre of innocent dogs in rescue” and called breed-specific legislation “crazy”.
In reference to her mention of the Holocaust, Cuddy told the JC: “I am very sorry if my words upset anyone, it was not my intention.
"My comment was specifically in regard to the concept of civil disobedience. That an individual's morals should mean they do not blindly follow orders that are very obviously wrong. It was the most horrific example I could think of – why doing what you are told is not always the right thing to do.”
"I was urging people to be brave, to stick to their moral code. That history is not kind on those who blindly follow bad orders.
“I have lots of Jewish friends who love their dogs, who are deeply upset by what is about to happen in England and Wales.”
There is expected to be a judicial review hearing for the ban in January.
Current owners of Bullies will need to apply for an exemption before 31 January, the stipulations of which dictate that the dogs must be microchipped as well as muzzled and kept on a lead when out in public. Owners will also be required to neuter their dog.
