Staff desperate to find home for ‘loveable’ and ‘bouncy’ XL Bully dogs

Staff at a dogs’ home are desperate to find a home for two ‘loveable’ and ‘bouncy’ XL Bully dogs in time for Christmas.

Six-year-old Roxy and three-year-old Roy are the last two XL Bullies at the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs Home after a handful were rehoused earlier this month.

From the end of this year (December 31st) it will be against the law to sell, abandon, breed from or give away American Bully XL dogs, or have one in public without a lead or muzzle in England and Wales.

The new rule set to come into force in a matter of days after complaints made by members of the public following a series of high profile dog attacks across the country involving XL Bully dogs at a disproportionate amount. 

A representative at the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs Home, Anthony Bilson, 48, says the upcoming deadline for the new rule has put pressure on staff trying to find homes for dogs like Roxy and Roy.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about the tight deadline and general perception of XL Bullies since the reported attacks, Mr Bilson said: “We are running against time, but we still have a week to go until the 31st and we’re trying to do everything to find Roy and Roxy a home because every little helps, what happens between now and then could change.”

He continues: “We are all upset, and we’re all worried about these dogs as you would if you worked as a caregiver. It’s upsetting to see some of these dogs that are really nice and sweet end up as strays.

“We think that all of them are being tarred with the same brush and it’s upsetting.”

Now Roxy and Roy are the two remaining XL bullies at the home, hoping to find loving new owners to be with for Christmas.

Roxy has been described as ‘loveable’ and ‘approachable’, with knowledge of basic commands. The younger of the pair, ‘bouncy boy’ Roy, also knows basic commands and enjoys long walks and eating biscuits.

Mr Bilson added: “The rules are just a bit vague. It’s just up to the dog officers to judge whether a dog is a bully type.

“We’ve had a few that have come in that have been strays but we haven’t been inundated. It’s been steady and busy as usual. I think people are finally getting the message that a dog isn’t just for Christmas but for life.”

From February 1st 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog that is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs – which to do so will cost £92.40.

Those who are caught without an exception certificate could be subject to a criminal record and receive an unlimited fine.

This means police will be able to take away any XLs which aren’t registered, regardless of whether or not a complaint of dangerous behaviour has been made against them.

Owners will also have to have their dogs microchipped as well as neutered and registered.

More information about Roy and Roxy can be found on the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs Home website by clicking HERE.