Fact Check: Are XL bullies banned in Spain?

Are XL Bullies Banned in Spain?

Introduction

The claim that "XL bullies are banned in Spain" has emerged amidst growing discussions about the regulation of certain dog breeds in various countries, particularly following the UK government's announcement to ban the American Bully XL breed. This article examines the veracity of this claim and explores the current legal status of XL bullies in Spain.

What We Know

1. UK Ban on XL Bullies: The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has announced a ban on the American Bully XL breed, effective from December 31, 2023. This law prohibits breeding, selling, or giving away these dogs, and it is part of a broader response to concerns over public safety following several reported attacks involving this breed 1210.

2. Legal Status in Spain: In contrast, reports indicate that the American Bully XL is not classified as a potentially dangerous breed in Spain. According to a source from The Olive Press, the breed is not considered dangerous under Spanish law, which means there is no current ban on its ownership or breeding 34. The article emphasizes that the breed has not been involved in significant incidents that would warrant such a classification in Spain.

3. Public Perception and Incidents: The perception of the American Bully XL varies significantly between countries. In the UK, the breed has been associated with a series of attacks, leading to the proposed ban. However, in Spain, there appears to be a lack of similar incidents reported that would influence public or governmental opinion towards banning the breed 45.

Analysis

The claim about the ban on XL bullies in Spain is supported by multiple sources that clarify the legal status of the breed in the country. The Olive Press, which states that the American Bully XL is not considered dangerous in Spain, appears to be a reliable source, as it provides context regarding the breed's classification under Spanish law 34. However, it is essential to note that the article does not provide specific legal citations or references to official government statements, which could enhance its credibility.

Conversely, sources like the BBC and The Guardian focus on the UK's legislative actions and public safety concerns, which do not directly address the situation in Spain 210. While these sources are reputable, they primarily reflect the UK's context and may not accurately represent the legal landscape in Spain.

Additionally, the lack of a ban in Spain could be interpreted as a reflection of differing cultural attitudes towards dog breeds and public safety. The absence of reported incidents involving the American Bully XL in Spain may contribute to the breed's acceptance, contrasting sharply with the UK's recent experiences.

Conflicts of Interest

Some sources discussing the ban may have inherent biases based on their national context or the agendas of their publishers. For instance, UK media might emphasize the dangers associated with the breed due to recent incidents, potentially skewing the narrative against the breed overall.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that XL bullies are banned in Spain is false. Evidence indicates that the American Bully XL is not classified as a potentially dangerous breed under Spanish law, and there is currently no ban on its ownership or breeding. Reports from credible sources like The Olive Press confirm that the breed has not been involved in significant incidents that would warrant such a classification in Spain.

It is important to recognize that the legal status of dog breeds can vary significantly between countries, influenced by cultural perceptions and public safety concerns. While the UK has moved to ban the breed due to reported attacks, Spain's lack of similar incidents has contributed to a different regulatory approach.

However, the available evidence does have limitations. The sources consulted do not include specific legal citations or official government statements, which could provide a more robust understanding of the breed's status in Spain. Therefore, while the current conclusion is based on the best available information, ongoing developments and additional data could further inform this issue.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and remain aware of the evolving nature of dog breed regulations across different jurisdictions.

Sources

1. New Law Implements Ban on XL Bully Dog Breed. Library of Congress. Link
2. What is the XL bully ban and how dangerous are the dogs? BBC. Link
3. EXPLAINER: Is the American Bully XL illegal in Spain? All you need to know. The Olive Press. Link
4. The American Bully XL is not considered dangerous in Spain. The Leader. Link
5. American XL bully: A look at countries which have banned common dog breeds. MEAWW. Link
6. Most banned dog breeds by countries updated 2025 XL Bully UK. Petolog. Link
7. UK's American XL Bully ban: Which dangerous dogs are banned. Euronews. Link
8. What is the XL bully ban and how dangerous are the dogs? BBC. Link
9. American Bully Dogs Have Been Banned in Two Countries. PetHelpful. Link
10. American XL bully dog will be banned, says Rishi Sunak. The Guardian. Link