Animal Rights Activists Call for Temporary Ban on Breeding and Importation of Bully Dogs

Animal rights activists have called for a temporary ban on the breeding and importation of the bully dog, a breed they described as the “most abused, abandoned and neglected” in the world. The petition comes in the wake of a disturbing discovery of 27 abused and neglected bully-breed dogs found chained and injured at a Żebbuġ residence earlier this month.

The 27 dogs, which included two litters of puppies and their mothers, were found in deplorable conditions, sparking outrage among animal welfare organizations. Tragically, one of the rescued dogs, Bronko, succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rescued.

In response to this heartbreaking incident, Vuċi għall-Annimali, Association for Abandoned Animals, Gozo SPCA, Noah’s Ark Dog Sanctuary, and The Island Sanctuary have launched a petition to advocate for a temporary ban on the breeding and importation of bully breeds. The petition, which has garnered over 450 signatures since its launch on April 5th, aims to protect these breeds and their mixes from exploitation by abusers and backyard breeders.

The activists behind the petition are pushing for stricter regulations against abuse and illegal breeding practices, as well as increased enforcement of existing laws to promote responsible pet ownership and adoption. They emphasize that bully breeds, such as American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Terriers, are often subjected to dogfighting and exploitation as “puppy breeding machines.”

While the ban would apply to breeding and importation, it would not affect dogs already in care. However, not everyone is in favor of the proposed ban. Shadow animal rights minister Janice Chetcuti has spoken out against it, arguing that existing laws should be enforced instead. Chetcuti believes that penalizing the breed as a whole would only make them more attractive to individuals who engage in abusive practices.

In Malta, there are currently no bans on specific dog breeds. However, recent amendments to the Animal Welfare Act have introduced the concept of “dangerous dogs,” allowing the minister to create a list of breeds deemed as such. Despite this, no such list has been implemented.

Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina has recommended better regulations on dog breeding, but these have yet to be put into practice. Last year, Noah’s Ark Pet Sanctuary announced that they could no longer accept pit bulls due to the increasing number of abandoned dogs of this breed.

The debate over the ban on bully breeds continues to divide opinions, with animal rights activists advocating for stricter measures to protect these vulnerable animals, while others argue for a different approach to address the issue of animal abuse and neglect.