Fury over legal loophole that makes ‘killing machine’ dog breed MORE dangerous as owners ‘plug gap’ in XL Bully market
EXPERTS have raised concerns over a loophole that allows dog breeders to swerve UK animal welfare laws when importing potentially dangerous Italian mastiffs.
Also known as Cane Corsos, the breed is rapidly emerging as the breed of choice for criminals as a replacement for the XL Bully breed it was banned last year.
But they are not alone as celebrity owners including soccer star Marcus Rashford and Love Island’s Jack Ficham also have Cane Corsos - with many celebs now buying them to guard properties.
Cane Corso puppies can sell for thousands of pounds but are sometimes imported from breeders overseas with their ears clipped and tails docked.
The procedures are illegal in the UK and canine behaviour experts believe that importing the dogs can be used to circumvent the ban on such surgical procedures in the UK.
The concerns were expressed just days after a Sun Online investigation found hundreds of Cane Corso dogs on sale in the UK.
Read More on XL Bullies
Breeders across the country are offering adult dogs for as little as £75, though young pups are being advertised for up to £3,500 each.
Many of those being sold can be linked to Romania where animal welfare standards are well below the norm.
Cane Corsos are not subject to the same restrictions as XL bullies and are fully legal in the UK.
Colin Tennant, chairman of the , said: “The importation of dogs, particularly those that already have cropped ears and docked tails, raises important concerns.
Most read in The Sun
“In my view, this practice appears to circumvent our laws.
“Moreover, importing dogs, especially adult dogs, presents additional issues, as it is impossible to fully understand how their temperaments have been developed from the counties they derive from.”
“Unfortunately, importers of large bull breeds often fit into the same category as those who desire banned breeds in Britain.
"This pattern has been evident for some time.”
He said there has been an increase in interest in Cane Corsos since the XL Bully ban and imports have increased “exponentially”.
“Colleagues of mine, including over 200 trainers and behaviourists across the UK, have observed a significant rise in the popularity of this specific breed,” he added.
“Reports indicate that its importation is increasing exponentially each year, along with several other breeds not currently banned.”
The breed, where adults can weigh up to 50kg, has been described as “XL Bullies on steroids” and “killing machines”.
Animal Behaviour specialist Jane Robinson, who runs a consultancy in London called , said procedures like ear cropping can have a detrimental effect on a dog’s temperament.
She said: “Importing dogs who have already undergone these procedures creates a potential loophole in UK animal welfare regulations.
“It would be difficult to determine the exact prevalence of these procedures in imported Cane Corsos entering the UK.
“Ear cropping and tail docking can have several negative effects on dogs.
“The physical effects include the impact on a dog’s natural ability to use body language to signal and message.
"Ears and tails are crucial for dog communication.”
CANINE 'EMOTIONAL TRAUMA'
Jane added: “Physical effects also include the potential for long term chronic pain or sensitivity at surgery sites as well as possible infection risks during healing.
“Behavioural impacts will include negative social interactions with other dogs due to limited ability to communicate using body language.
“This can lead to anxiety or defensive behaviours due to compromised communication skills.”
Ben Newton, of K9 Platinum residential dog training in Southwell in Nottinghamshire, said: “The ban on XL Bullies was always going to leave a gap in the market.
“After all, XL Bullies filled the gap left when Pit Bulls were banned.
“Cropping and docking is illegal in the UK, so as far as we are aware not happening in the UK.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“Like any medical procedure, if it is done professionally and with good care, it isn’t going to affect a dog's temperament or behaviour, much the same as a medical procedure in humans.
“However, if the procedure is not done professionally and without professional medical care, then of course there could be emotional trauma for the dog.”
