Oldham boxer ‘disgusted’ as £200 on offer to kill XL Bullies

The government announced the breed would become illegal from December 31, with breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning, or allowing an XL Bully to stray in England and Wales set to be outlawed.

From this date, XL Bullies must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead when out in public.

It will become illegal to own an XL Bully from February 1, 2024, unless it is included on a list of exempted dogs.

Mark Heffron and Tyson (Image: Mark Heffron)

According to the government, those looking to euthanise their dogs can claim £200 compensation towards the cost of having it put down.

Oldham professional boxer has said he is ‘disgusted’ by the money on offer, with some charities offering money to owners to neuter their dogs.

Mark’s six-year-old daughter Poppy cried when she found out that the family’s XL Bully, Tyson, would have to wear a muzzle when outside.

Tyson and Poppy (Image: Mark Heffron)

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The boxer, who has previously defended his ‘dopey, friendly giant’ dog, said he ‘has not got a bad bone in him’. He had hoped to breed a litter from Tyson, who has not yet been neutered, with a long-term plan to continue with multiple generations.

Mark has now donated to a GoFundMe to mount a legal campaign against the ban, which has reached more than £80,000.

He added: “I feel so sorry for all the rescue dogs. If the law goes through, all those innocent dogs will be murdered.

“I feel sorry for the vets, who will have to put these healthy dogs to sleep – that isn’t what they’ve become vets for.

“It’s a disgrace that the government will offer £200 compensation to kill your dog, but there’s no help given to neuter them.

“I think it’s absolutely disgusting. I’ve had people messaging me online asking me if I want their dog, because of what’s going on – they’re giving them up. I can’t believe it.”

Poppy and Tyson (Image: Mark Heffron)

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Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said ministers had taken “quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks”.

She added: “We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”

The RSPCA has campaigned against breed-specific legislation, including the XL Bully ban.

On the organisation’s website, it says it believes the ban ‘will not protect the public’, adding that it “will continue to campaign for more effective dog control in the UK, which focuses on prevention and early intervention, regardless of breed.”