Defiant XL Bully owners who planned a mass walk with their controversial dogs have made a rapid U-turn as critics feared the demonstration could turn into a "mauling session" and a "bloodbath".
The event was being planned on social media, with the organiser hoping "as many people and kids as possible" turn out. Campaigners said they want to show how "gentle the breed really is" as plans were made to outlaw it after a spate of violent attacks.
The meet-up is slated for Birmingham on Saturday, September 30, with the hope of "proving people wrong" about the breed, which is linked to nine deaths in the UK since 2021.
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For more news on the breed, including how most UK Bully's can trace their lineage to one beast, click here
However, it will now be a walk for people only, with those attending urged to make t-shirts, jumpers and banners "to show off our loving giants" instead of bringing their pets.
The original advert, which was being circulated online, reads: "Bully meet – all dogs welcome. Wanna see as many people as possible.
"Bring as many people and kids as possible. Friendly walk! We can't be stopped for walking our dogs. Let's show how gentle the XL Bully really is. Let's get this out there – anyone from Birmingham or surrounding areas turn up, let's prove people wrong!"
Jake Harris, from the 0121 Bullys Instagram and TikTok account, told BirminghamLive the meet-up was being organised because they "need to show people that the XL Bullies are not the problem". He continued: "It’s all about the owners – I've got three XL Bullies and not one of them would hurt a soul.
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"Yes they might look big and scary but they are big family dogs! I’ve got my fingers crossed there will be a lot of families there."
But some people have expressed concern about the upcoming event online, with journalist Jake Hadfield writing on X: "This is absolutely a mass mauling event waiting to happen." Others showed direct concern for children. One woman wrote: "Should share this with local PTA's (parent-teacher associations) to get the word out to primary schools!"
One bloke said that it would be a "bloodbath", while another joked: "Bring the kids, or any other suitable snacks."
The updated poster for the event now reads: "No dogs allowed." A post by the 0121 Bullys Instagram reads: "Got too much press and too much riding on this now we need to make T-shirts, banners, jumpers, anything to show off our loving giants. Everyone please share this far and wide."
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