It’s been 30 years since the Home Secretary vowed to ban the ‘menace’ pit bull terrier following a string of attacks – including the mauling of six-year-old Rukhsana Khan, from Bradford – and today it was announced a new breed will be banned.
Plans were today announced to ban the American XL Bully in the UK by the end of the year. It follows a number of attacks in recent months. The Prime Minister said the dogs would be banned following a ‘pattern of behaviour’ that ‘cannot go on.’
The pit bull, along with the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro, are all banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 came into force after nine cases of dog attacks were brought to Parliament including grandfather Frank Tempest, who had his nose bitten off and suffered other serious injuries after being attacked by two pit bulls in April 1991, reports the Daily Mail.
The Dangerous Dogs Act also criminalised owners for allowing any dog to ‘be dangerously out of control’.
After the attack on Rukhsana, the Home Secretary is said to have even considered ordering the destruction of all pit bulls. There were around 10,000 in the UK at the time the Dangerous Dogs Act was passed.
Rukhsana was attacked as she crossed a playground with her sister, four cousins and two aunts. The pit bull, which was being walked by a pregnant woman, slipped its lead before targeting the little girl.
The Daily Mail’s report described how the dog ‘ripped open the youngster’s chest, repeatedly smashed her face on to the pavement and shook her from side to side’. She needed oxygen and emergency surgery as she fought to breathe. The dog also broke four of her ribs, two teeth and inflicted numerous other superficial injuries.
Her aunt told the Mail: “The dog’s teeth went into her and it was hitting her against the floor. It wouldn’t let go. It was biting her on the body and the face and ripping her clothes to shreds.”
Rukhsana’s uncle prised open the dog’s jaw as men beat it with sticks and bricks. He too was bitten on the arms in the process of rescuing his niece.
Speaking in a 2006 interview when she was 21, Rukhsana said: “I still have nightmares about the attack and I am still terrified of dogs to this day. When I see a dog I freeze I don’t think that will ever change.”
Mr Tempest was walking home from his job in a bakery when he was attacked by two pit bulls which had escaped from their back yard. Surgeons were initially reluctant to show the images of his injuries to the public, but Mr Tempest was insistent.
The attack on Mr Tempest contributed to the decision to pass the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Speaking to the Mail five weeks after the attack, he said: “They turned round and came for me. They started to jump up, and grabbed me. I was trying to save my eyes. The dogs dragged me to the ground. I was surprised how strong they were. The attack must have lasted 30 minutes.”
He had to be rushed to hospital, where surgeons began treating his injuries. He needed extensive rounds of surgery to rebuild his nose and treat other parts of his face.
YorkshireLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here .
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Yorkshire
