XL Bully-type dog 'Charlie' put to sleep after being illegally imported to the Isle of Man
An American XL Bully-type dog has been put down in the Isle of Man, after recent law changes made it illegal to import, possess or control such a dog.
'Charlie' was put to sleep earlier this week following court proceedings, where the owner admitted to possessing an XL Bully-type dog that had been illegally imported after the ban.
The Isle of Man Government says while it acknowledges the 'deeply regrettable outcome', they say it was in line with 'the principles of the law' approved in 2023.
However, the ManxSPCA has posted on Facebook saying it is 'deeply saddened' by the decision, after caring for 'Charlie' since November 2024.
They said he showed 'a gentle and loving nature', while the charity 'worked tirelessly to seek alternatives to this devastating outcome'.
Despite submitting formal representations to the government, they say the legal framework 'provided no path that would allow Charlie to remain safely and lawfully on the Island.'
XL Bully-type dogs were added to the Schedule of the Wild Animals (Restriction on Importation, etc.) Act 1980 on 23 November 2023, making it an offence to import, possess, or have control of such a dog if brought to the Isle of Man after this date.
This followed the UK's introduction of a licensing system and a ban on breeding and rehoming XL Bully-type dogs, and aimed to prevent the Isle of Man from becoming a sanctuary for banned breeds.
The dog was seized under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1986, and Charlie was ultimately forfeited to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
A government spokesperson said: "The Government recognises the heartbreak this outcome has caused and following extensive consideration, DEFA determined that euthanasia was the only option that upheld the law and its intent, avoiding any precedent that could undermine its effectiveness or deterrent effect."
Other breeds banned under Manx legislation include: Pit Bull Terriere types, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
Owners of any bully-type dog are being asked to check the online guidance before importing or purchasing a dog in the UK.
This is because some dogs sold under other breed names in the UK may grow to meet the criteria of an XL Bully-type, which can only be determined once they are fully grown.
The government say if dogs are later identified as banned types once grown, they may be subject to similar enforcement action.
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