Freshfields Animal Rescue renews urgent appeal to find homes for four XL Bully dogs 

With just weeks to go until the breed is banned, Freshfields Animal Rescue has relaunched an urgent appeal to find homes for four XL Bully dogs.

The centre in Ince Blundell has until the end of December to find owners for Aura, Moose, Dex and Sonny. 

“We don’t want to let these dogs down, so we are desperately searching to find loving homes for them,” says Deb Hughes, spokesperson for the Mersey rescue centre.

“Unless we can do that, they will spend the rest of their lives in kennels.”

The call for help comes following the Government’s decision to ban the dog breed.

Deb adds: “After December 31, the ban expressly forbids us from advertising or rehoming these dogs who will almost certainly be judged as being XL bully types.

“It means that not only will they potentially be trapped in Kennels for 10 years or more, which is no life for them, but they will take spaces in kennels for the hundreds of dogs we could save in that time.”

It may be the forthcoming ban which is leading to people dumping the dogs, agrees Deb, although she says other circumstances are forcing people to abandon all types of breeds, including the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic changes of heart.

She accepts that these dogs have a poor reputation, and never more so than now after a number of tragic incidents involving them.

“And our thoughts of course go out to people who have gone through, and are going through, dreadful situations because of these,” she says.  

But she explains: “With the right environment, the right owner, the right management, and care and attention, these dogs can be wonderful pets.

“I wouldn’t be rehoming Moose, the youngest of the dogs we have, with my 90-year-old auntie. He, and all of them, need someone who can handle a big, strong dog, someone who will be willing to go through the exemption process which will now be needed, and someone ideally who is experienced in dealing with XL Bully dogs.”

Freshfields is going through rigorous discussions with people who have shown interest in two of the dogs who, Deb says, will need what every other dog they rehome needs: safety, love, compassion, exercise, and fun.

But she also adds: “They are bigger and stronger than other dogs and there is strong feeling around them and their reputation and so anyone who takes them will need to be able to handle that.

“We will be looking for someone with common sense, and who will follow the new laws surrounding these dogs which includes having them muzzled in public.

“We need someone sensible, who will make sure they are well-trained, who will be able to handle them with confidence and care, and who will give them the exercise and attention they need. These dogs often haven’t been socialised as puppies and they will need help, patience and guidance with this.

“As I said before, ideally someone who is experienced in dealing with these dogs.”

Freshfields will give any new owners ongoing help and advice, as well as a support package for anyone who adopts any of the four dogs. It will waive the usual adoption fee; cover the costs of the exemption certification (the application fee is £92.40); have the dog neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated; cover third-party insurance costs up to £300 a year for three years, and provide free veterinary care. “We will provide a three-year Vet Assist agreement to provide routine checks, cost-price medicines, and non-emergency surgery with a Freshfields-appointed vet.”

The dogs are:

Aura, two. Her family were unable to provide socialisation, and she spent many hours alone. She will need to be the only dog in the household and requires someone who is committed to her ongoing training so she can continue to thrive.

Moose, one, was found by a staff member on a busy road. He will need help getting used to being in a home environment, but with the right guidance, Freshfields is confident he’ll get used to domesticity with enthusiasm.

Dexter is seven, and Deb says he will need a fit owner who can walk at pace but will make a brilliant companion for walks around the countryside. 

Sonny is the eldest, at 11, and is an easy-going, mature, dog.

Deb says: “These dogs have fantastic personalities, and we know that the right person is out there for them. 

“We are desperate to find them homes with people who will look after them and love them – but we are racing against the clock.”

Anyone who can offer any of the dogs a loving home should contact Freshfields Animal Centre on 0151 931 1604 or emergency@freshfields.org.uk

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