XL bully: Kent-based pet groomer offers field for off-lead walks

A pet groomer has created a secure site in Kent where XL bullies and other banned dogs can play off-lead.

The breed has been banned in the UK due to rising attacks that have caused a number of deaths.

Gail Robertson, owner of Paw Seasons in Birchington, Thanet, has spent more than £10,000 on a fenced-off area which is free of charge to use.

"They need to socialise and run about in the fresh air," she said.

It is illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully in England and Wales. They must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

• What is an American XL bully and why are they being banned?

Since 1 February, it has also been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.

Ms Robertson said XL bullies were not inherently dangerous.

"It's the owners who train them to be aggressive that make them dangerous," she said.

"That is why I have set up a private dog walking space, so owners can legally take their XL bully dogs out in the open."

XL bully owners can exclusively use the field on her farm to exercise their dogs without a lead or a muzzle.

"If I had the money and the space, I would put 10 fields in. People are willing to travel from hours and hours away just to give their dog that freedom," Ms Robertson added.

She said the space had to be private and booked by appointment only.

Ms Robertson said she could not legally charge for the space.

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