XL bully lover drives 200 miles to ‘save’ dozens of dogs ahead of ban

XL Bully lover Sammy Wilkinson drove over 200 miles through the night to rehome dozens of dogs before ban came in (Picture: Facebook / Sammy Wilkinson)

A man drove over 200 miles throughout the night on New Year’s Eve to help rehome dozens of XL Bully dogs before a ban on the breed came into effect at midnight.

Owners of the controversial dogs face a range of new restrictions in England and Wales as of December 31.

It is now a legal requirement to keep them on a lead and have them muzzled when out in public. It has also been made illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let the dogs stray away.

But the new rules have angered many dog owners, many of whom disagree with the government’s stance.

A range of restrictions are being placed upon XL Bully owners in England and Wales (Picture: PA)

One such person is Sammy Wilkinson, from Tipton, West Mids, who transported scores of XL Bullies from his home in the Black Country up to Scotland where the new rules do not apply, according to Lancs Live.

Posting on social media last night, Sammy wrote: ‘I’m absolutely exhausted and my car is falling apart but you’re not killing these Rishi Sunak, now it’s a race to the Scottish Border before midnight.’

A Go Fund Me page has since been set up by Blackpool hotelier Lisa Lou Bel to assist him in his efforts and fund his journey. 

The page, which has raised over £8,500 at the time of writing reads: ‘Hi my name is Lisa, I’m putting this fundraiser together for Sammy Wilkinson. In hope that we can raise some money to help Sammy in saving even more XL Bullies.

‘Sammy is currently driving day and night from the Black Country to Scotland, each time taking a group of XL bullies with him and finding them new homes in Scotland. About 30 dogs so far he’s saved and he’s still going!

‘Sammy will continue to do this for as long as he can. Please everyone, let’s support him and lets help save more XL Bullies.’

Twenty three people have died from dog attacks associated with XL Bullies over the past three years, prompting the government to enforce restrictions on the breed.

But the new restrictions do not apply in Scotland- yet (Picture: Getty Images)

As of February 1 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless the owner has a certificate of exemption which have to be applied for before January 31.

But the new rules are only applicable in England and Wales, and will require owners to apply for insurance, neuter their dog and pay a fee of £92.40 to receive the certificate.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: ‘The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023. We have met that pledge – it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.

‘All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.’

The Scottish Government has not made a decision to ban the breed but it is understood that officials are ‘considering the evidence’.

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Sammy Wilkinson transported dozens of dogs to the Scottish Border, where new restrictions on XL Bully ownership do not yet apply.