This documentary offers an unfiltered perspective on the world of American XL bully dogs and their owners in the UK, specifically the northwest, as they deal with a government ban on the breed. With a rise in maulings and killings linked to these dogs, the film captures the impact of this controversial decision and the varying responses from the dog-owning community. Some owners take to the streets in protest and engage in legal battles, while others choose to abandon their dogs, leading to a surge in rescues.
The film also explores the role of breeders, who have profited from the demand for XL puppies, and the subsequent challenges faced by rescue centres and owners’ groups attempting to rehome abandoned dogs. The question arises: are the issues attributed to the breed itself, or is it a matter of irresponsible ownership and a lack of proper training?
The documentary follows Danny, who is dedicated to educating owners on training their XL bully dogs to adhere to the ban and improve the dogs’ chances of survival. It also focuses on Charmaine, whose reliance on her dogs makes the impending ban an emotional and challenging ordeal.
Death Row Dogs: Save My XL Bully airs on Channel 4, Sunday 25 August 2024, at 10:30 pm.
