The debate on whether the XL Bully dogs should be banned has been ignited over social media after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to ban the breed.

Bucks Free Press Readers appear to advocate for an understanding of the dog breed rather than an outright ban.

It comes after Rishi Sunak announced on Friday, September 15, that American XL bully dogs will be banned after a man was mauled to death outside a property in Stonnall, Staffordshire yesterday afternoon.

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Announcing the move, the prime minister said he "shared the nation's horror" at such attacks and stressed the need to "keep people safe".

Outlining plans to ban the XL bully dog breed in a video statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children.

“I share the nation’s horror at the recent videos we’ve all seen. Yesterday we saw a another suspected XL bully dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality.

“It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on.

“While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I want to reassure people that we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and protect the public.

“Today I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts, to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks, with the view to then outlawing it.

“It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast.

“We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act and new laws will be in place by the end of the year.

“These dogs are dangerous, I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe.”

The majority of comments suggested that the issue is more about irresponsible dog ownership rather than the breed itself.

Facebook user Kelly Warren suggests that potential dog owners should have to undertake some form of training program, voicing the hashtag - #dontbullymybreed.

Anita Avery's comment highlighted the trend of blaming dog breeds for their behaviour, while posts from users like Liz Chapman, Jackie Pain, Kyle Evans, and Emma Danbury echoed the sentiment that owners, not dogs, need both training and scrutiny.

Several commenters, including Caroline Dix, Emma Danbury, and Kell Jane, suggested the introduction of a licensing system to ensure owners are equipped to handle and care for these breeds.

Interestingly, several comments pointed out the harsh reality of illegal breeders and irresponsible owners using these breeds as status symbols, with many suggesting that such individuals should be prohibited from owning dogs.

However, a handful of readers voiced a different opinion, suggesting a potential danger posed by these breeds.

User Marian O'Rourke expressed a need for a ban due to safety concerns, reflecting a sentiment that was supported by Iris Plested, Maureen McMaster Silverman, Jan Koslicki and Michael J Dix, while Sally Hall questioned the necessity of these types of breeds in urban and family areas.

A link introduced by Kirstie Lauren Bourne to a Kennel Club campaign suggests a need to focus on the deeds of dangerous dogs, not their breed, offering an external resource within the ongoing discussion.