An XL Bully owner who has an ‘inseparable bond’ with her 117lb ‘best friend’ has shared her heartbreak as she’s forced to leave him at home due to the ban.
Cante Elise says she used to do everything with her four-year-old dog Leo.
The 29-year-old would bring him almost everywhere she went – including the shops, going for ice-cream and visiting cafes.
Cante, of Deal, Kent even used to bring Leo to the pub she previously worked at.
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But she says the ban and new legislation has left her feeling like she can’t bring him anywhere.
As he is no longer allowed in public space unless he is muzzled, Cante says she has to leave him alone at home more often.
She also revealed how she is staying in more herself to keep him company.
Whilst she is at work, Cante has been forced to arrange extra help from friends and relatives to check in on Leo as he has separation anxiety.
On Sunday (31 Dec) XL Bullies were officially added to the breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
It is now against the law to sell an XL Bully, breed, abandon or give them away.
It is also illegal to walk them in public without a lead and muzzle.
Cante admits that she became emotional whilst muzzle-training Leo.
She says that she broke down in tears the first time he wore one as he kept trying to pull it off.
The hairdresser is hoping to find a way to arrange private playdates with other XL bullies.
She hopes this will help Leo feel more relaxed and feel free again.
Cante said: “He really is a mummy’s boy and super sweet, I spoil him like anything.
”I feel really bad walking him now because he loves exploring and playing fetch.
“It is sad he can’t go to his favourite places.
”He used to push me on swings at the park.
”No we can’t go for ice-cream or coffee – we would do everything together.
“It’s an absolute crisis – I can’t take him to work with me.
”I used to work in a pub – and the customers really liked him.
”I would be doing the cleaning and they would come up and say hello to Leo.”
”Now I come back home earlier or have people come round for him.
“I don’t want to take him anywhere.
”It’s changed his schedule and changes what you’re doing – I’m staying in instead.”
”The first walk with the muzzle was awful.
”I cried because he kept trying to pull it off.
”I need to look into the legalities of private play dates.
”I’m hoping I could rent a private, secured off place and have a minimum number of bullys maybe with muzzles but lead off.
“It might help him feel more relaxed and be free again as he faffs around with his friends.”
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