Dr Neil Hudson for Penrith and the Border said urgent action is needed to stop attacks on people and livestock from American XL bull dogs
An MP and veterinary surgeon has triggered an emergency select committee meeting on the proposed ban of American XL bully dog after a number of attacks on livestock and people.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said he has been confirmed as a chair for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee today (October 18) investigating incidents of American XL bull dog attacks.
Both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defra Secretary Therese Coffey have proposed a ban of the dog breed after incidents which included 22 pregnant ewes being killed in North Wales earlier this year.
Dr Hudson confirmed the committee would comprise of Dr Samantha Gaines from the RSPCA, Dr Lawrence Newport from the Royal Holloway University of London, David Martin from IVC Evidensia, and James McNally from Slee Blackwell solicitors to discuss issues around the proposed ban, the means of its implementation, enforcement and related animal welfare issues.
Read more: Prime Minister to ban American bully XL dogs
Hearing from a range of leading voices in the fields of law, animal welfare and veterinary medicine, Dr Hudson urged the need for action to taken on the issue.
"We have all grimly seen coverage of a number of American XL bully dog attacks on people in recent months causing severe injuries and tragically leading to the loss of life," he added.
"It is clear to me action must be taken in the interest of public and other animal safety and I look forward to making progress on the issue imminently.
"As a veterinary surgeon, this issue is extremely close to my heart and I think it is incredibly important to trigger an urgent session to provide expert analysis needed to enact complex legislative change."
You can currently watch the full proceedings here.
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