Holiday giant Haven announces major new rule at all 38 UK parks – find out if your trip will be affected
HOLIDAY giant Haven has become the first to ban XL Bully dogs from all of their 38 parks.
The company, along with Britain’s biggest campsite Shell Island in Gwynedd, north Wales, has taken the dramatic step following a government crackdown.
From 31 December last year, all XL Bullies must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
From next month it will be a criminal offence to own the breed in England and Wales without a certificate following a spate of attacks.
Haven has decided to ban the animals from all their parks now they’re listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Shell Island also said it decided to exclude XLs following discussions with its insurers.
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The Haven Holidays website states: “We don't accept dogs listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act which are Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and Japanese Tosa and XL Bully.”
A Shell Island spokesman said: “If we believe that your dog is an XL Bully or a banned dog breed, it will be up to you to prove otherwise.
"If you cannot prove this, then you will not be admitted onto the site.
“You will now be requested to enter the breed of your dog upon booking online, or on arrival.
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“We know there will be people who are disappointed with this decision, but we have to follow the guidance we have been provided with, especially from our insurance company.”
American XL Bullies have been involved in around 44 per cent of attacks on people in 2023, and 75 per cent of fatalities since 2021, despite only being around 1 per cent of the UK dog population, stats have revealed.
There were six fatalities in the UK last year.
A Haven spokeswoman said: “The safety and security of our holidaymakers, owners and team is our top priority.
"In line with our existing policy, Haven does not accept dogs listed under the ‘Dangerous Dogs Act (1991)’ which, as of December 31, 2023, now includes the XL Bully breed.”
All guests with a booking this year were told about the change in booking policy.