Dog Rescue

 

We have had a bit of an adventure here. On Monday, along with another dog walker, I came across this large XL Bully running loose in the industrial park grounds where I like to take Honey. Now a bit of background. This breed is on the Dangerous Dogs list and falls under something called Banned Breed Legislation. There have been numerous incidents of attacks on people and other animals by this particular breed so the government made the decision to outlaw them. Police have the right to seize and destroy any dog that comes under the legislation. 

Current owners of the breed can apply for an exemption license provided the dog is not over 20” high and is neutered or spayed. It must be muzzled when out in public. It’s also illegal to breed these dogs now. The one we found most definitely would not meet these conditions. As a result there are a large number of these dogs who are at risk for being euthanised. 

There was no lead or ID on him so I had to call my husband to meet us with another lead and he took the dog to our vet who, fortunately, is close by. The dog was microchipped but there was only a phone number associated with it, no address. The vet tried the number and left messages but no response. If we had left the dog with the vet, they would have been required to turn the dog over to a shelter where, in all likelihood, he would have been put down. Dogs like this are only kept for seven days. 

Kevan brought him home and explained the problem and I spent the rest of the day online, trying to get a foster place for him. Thanks to the amazing online community of XL Bully owners and supporters, I was able to get him a place that evening and he was picked up. He was a lovely dog, even though he was huge and had to weigh at least 60+ kg. He was friendly, knew basic commands, walked well on the lead and was good with other dogs and kids. We think he was an ex-breeding dog who was dumped. 

I have no idea what the future holds for him or his breed, but I hope he finds a good home. And that was our Good Samaritan deed for the year!