The government has acknowledged the “difficult and distressing circumstances” surrounding the death of Charlie, an American XL Bully-type dog that was illegally imported to the island last year by his owner.
Following a legal process, Charlie was euthanised this week.
The outcome was determined in line with the principles of the law approved by Tynwald in 2023, which aims to limit the number of XL Bully-type dogs on the island.
A government spokesperson said: “This was a deeply regrettable outcome and the decision was not taken lightly.”
Banned
XL Bully-type dogs were added to the Schedule of the Wild Animals (Restriction on Importation, etc.) Act 1980 on 23 November 2023, making it an offence to import, possess, or control such a dog if brought to the island after that date.
The move followed the UK’s introduction of a licensing system and a ban on breeding and rehoming XL Bully-type dogs, aiming to prevent the Isle of Man from becoming a “sanctuary for banned breeds.”
After court proceedings, Charlie’s owner admitted to possessing an illegally imported XL Bully-type dog.
Charlie was seized under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1986 and ultimately forfeited to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
“The government recognises the heartbreak this outcome has caused,” the spokesperson said.
Following extensive consideration, DEFA determined that euthanasia was “the only option that upheld the law and its intent, avoiding any precedent that could undermine its effectiveness or deterrent effect”.
Alongside XL Bully-type dogs, the following breeds remain subject to a strict import ban:
- Pit Bull Terrier type
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
The government warned that some dogs sold under other breed names may later meet XL Bully criteria, risking enforcement action.
6 Comments