A GROUP of XL Bully owners gathered with their dogs to protest against the Government’s decision to ban the breed.
The meet-up comes two months after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a clampdown following several fatal attacks.
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Footage from the event, dubbed the Bully Linkups Fundraiser, saw owners and more than 60 dogs in attendance.
It was hailed by one attendee as a “wonderful day” and many commenters posted support.
One said: “Animals do not have a voice, so you won’t stop hearing mine.”
Another added: “They are so beautiful and look so content around each other.”
But others were critical of Sunday’s event at Caludon Castle, Coventry — with another held later in the day in Derby.
One person posted: “What happens if just a couple start kicking off? Pure mayhem.”
Another added: “Not a single one with a muzzle on. At least they could do that to help people not get worried.”
From February 1 next year, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully in England and Wales, unless the dog has a certificate of exemption.
It follows a series of attacks by the breed — including one in September that left Ian Price, 52, dead as he tried to protect his elderly mum in Stonnall, Staffs.
New laws will make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, give, rehome, abandon or allow the dogs to stray.
To get an exemption, owners must pay £92.40 per dog and have third party insurance cover.
Permitted XL Bullys must also be muzzled in public, microchipped, neutered and homed securely — with those defying the laws facing up to 14 years in jail.
However, campaigners have raised more than £160,000 to challenge the ban in the courts.