When we noticed the ailing dog pleading with onlookers for assistance with the massive tumor that was causing him such agony that he had to collapse, we became very alarmed

Meet Mixi, a brave dog who had been suffering from a massive tumor under his chest for a long time. The tumor was so large that it hung down and touched the ground when he moved, causing him immense discomfort. Desperate for help, Mixi went near a car, hoping to find someone who could assist him.

Fortunately, kind-hearted individuals came to his rescue and took him to a veterinary hospital to receive treatment. The pictures taken before the surgery showed the extent of the tumor, which was heavy and had broken through the skin, leaving a gaping hole. But thanks to the successful surgery, the tumor was completely removed, giving Mixi a new lease on life.

After the surgery, Mixi was brought back to his home, where he eagerly awaited the arrival of his owner, a woman wearing a blue shirt. He seemed to have a lot to say to her, and his excitement was palpable. His owner was emotional and grateful to the people who had saved her beloved dog’s life. She expressed her heartfelt thanks and appreciation for giving Mixi a chance at a happy and healthy life.

Despite still needing care and medication for the healing process, Mixi’s owner was hopeful that he would fully recover and not have any further health issues. She shared her story, describing the pitiful state Mixi was in before the surgery and how she had feared that he might not survive. However, she now believed in miracles as she saw Mixi’s remarkable progress.

Mixi’s owner expressed her deep gratitude to the kind-hearted individuals who had helped her dog and gave him a second chance. She thanked them from the bottom of her heart and looked forward to a brighter future with Mixi by her side, now able to run freely and enjoy life to the fullest.

Mixi’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the incredible resilience and strength of animals and the transformative power of compassion and care. It is a testament to the dedication of veterinary professionals and the kindness of strangers who stepped forward to help an innocent animal in need. With a bright future ahead of him, Mixi’s journey is a true testament to the unwavering bond between humans and their furry companions, and a story of hope and healing that will inspire many.

‘Save our beautiful bullies’: The dog lovers fighting to save American XLs as government ban approaches

They’ve never ever done anything wrong,” one woman says of her three XL bully dogs. “We’ve owned bull breeds for 10 years and they’ve never put a foot wrong, we’ve never had altercations in public, we have had nothing but a positive experience.”

Heather Halls and her husband Chris have spent the past few weeks in disbelief after Rishi Sunak announced in September that American XL bully dogs would be banned in the UK following a spate of high-profile attacks and fatalities.

Not only do three of their family dogs fall into this category, but Chris is a professional dog trainer specialising in bulldog breeds, meaning that their entire livelihood is now at stake. They also compete in the Protection Sports Association, by which two of their XL bullies have been awarded titles.

<p>Professional dog trainer Chris Halls with his XL bully Odin, who has won awards in PSA competitions </p> — Professional dog trainer Chris Halls with his XL bully Odin, who has won awards in PSA competitions(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

“Essentially, our whole world and what we’ve worked towards in the last few years is about to get flipped on its head,” says Heather.

The couple have now joined forces with other XL bully owners to launch an official campaign to challenge the government’s stance, with more than £86,000 raised in a matter of days to support legal action.

Campaigners from Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me are asking the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to rethink their plans and are fundraising for a judicial review.

Poor breeding to blame for XL bullies attacking people, says dog trainer

With the support of their barrister John Cooper KC, they sent a warning of their intention to launch legal action to the environment secretary Therese Coffey last Thursday, as they hope to scrap the planned ban in favour of tightened laws around breeding and ownership.

Under new legislation, it will be illegal to sell, breed or abandon an XL bully-type dog from 31 December, while it will be an offence to own one from 1 February 2024 unless it is registered to the government’s database, the Index of Exempted Dogs.

<p>Owners will be required to muzzle their XL bullies from New Year’s Eve onwards </p> — Owners will be required to muzzle their XL bullies from New Year’s Eve onwards(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

Once their animal is registered, owners will have to abide by strict regulations, which include keeping their dogs muzzled and on a lead at all times in public, having them neutered and microchipped, and having to carry a certificate of exemption at all times to show police officers or council dog wardens.

Alongside descriptions of head size and physical features, the government has defined an American XL bully as an adult male from 20in in height, or an adult female from 19in. However, given that XL bullies have never been defined as an official breed, this has confused owners of cross-breeds such as mastiffs and mongrels.

The decision to ban the breed came after deaths relating to XL bully attacks, including those of 10-year-old Jack Lis and 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch. Two people were injured in recent days in Mansfield by a suspected XL bully, while one report holds the breed responsible for nearly 50 per cent of all dog attacks in the UK.

Charities with the banned breed in their care will now receive £100 compensation for euthanising an XL bully, while owners will get £200 compensation if a vet euthanises their dog.

<p>Sophie Coulthard with her XL bully Billy, whom she trains in TikTok videos </p> — Sophie Coulthard with her XL bully Billy, whom she trains in TikTok videos(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

Speaking to The Independent, Sophie Coulthard, an organiser of the campaign group, says: “The problem with this knee-jerk reaction is that it won’t stop dog attacks. We need to focus on licensing and educating owners, with compulsory training and tougher punishments to prevent people from impulse-buying dogs.”

Sophie has owned her XL bully, Billy, for the last year, and has developed a following on TikTok by posting educational videos of his training as well as details of the proposed ban.

“One thing we’ve found is that people are really misinformed on the full impact of the ban,” she says. “What the government is asking me to do is look at their guidelines and commit him to a life on the muzzle, not go on holidays with him, have him muzzled in the car.

“There’d be no more playing with a toy in the park, anyone in social housing could lose their housing or their dog, you can no longer hire private fields to take dogs off the lead. It is really reducing the quality of life for these dogs.”

The group is arguing for the UK to take a similar approach to Canada’s Calgary model, an educational, licensing and stronger enforcement programme that has successfully reduced the number of dog bites by 70 per cent.

<p>Coulthard has described the ban as a ‘knee-jerk reaction’ and called for licensing laws to replace it </p> — Coulthard has described the ban as a ‘knee-jerk reaction’ and called for licensing laws to replace it(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

“I understand there’s been attacks, and I fully sympathise with anyone who has been a victim, because it’s horrific,” Heather says. “Dog ownership is a complete and utter mess, and people got these dogs in lockdown and haven’t socialised them or trained them. My son was bitten by a dachshund that shot out of a front door, so it’s not just XL bullies.

“Licensing is the right way forward. It’s proven to work in other countries and you can’t ignore the evidence that it works.”

Since the announcement, her five-year-old son panics each time he hears a siren, out of fear that police officers will arrive to take his dogs away. “Our dogs are our family pets,” says Heather. “I’ll do anything to keep my dogs safe. I will fight with my last breath.”