In a pioneering move, Gail Robertson, the proprietor of Paw Seasons in Birchington, Thanet, has invested over £10,000 to create a secure site in Kent where XL bullies and other banned dogs can play off-lead. The XL bully breed has been prohibited in the UK due to a surge in attacks resulting in fatalities.
The fenced-off area, located on Ms. Robertson’s farm, is provided free of charge to owners of XL bullies, offering a legal space for these dogs to socialize and exercise in the fresh air. In England and Wales, it is illegal to sell, give away, abandon, or breed XL bullies, and they must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. As of February 1, owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate is a criminal offense.
Ms. Robertson firmly believes that XL bullies are not inherently dangerous; instead, it is the training imparted by owners that can make them aggressive. To address this, she has established a private dog walking space where XL bully owners can exercise their dogs without a lead or muzzle, adhering to legal guidelines.
Expressing her commitment to providing a safe haven for these dogs, Ms. Robertson stated, “It’s the owners who train them to be aggressive that make them dangerous. That is why I have set up a private dog walking space, so owners can legally take their XL bully dogs out in the open.”
While acknowledging the demand, Ms. Robertson mentioned her desire to expand the initiative, stating, “If I had the money and the space, I would put 10 fields in. People are willing to travel from hours and hours away just to give their dog that freedom.”
To manage access to the secure area, appointments are mandatory, ensuring a controlled and secure environment for both the dogs and their owners. Although Ms. Robertson cannot legally charge for the use of the space, the initiative represents a creative solution to address the needs of XL bully owners while maintaining compliance with legal regulations.
