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Defra Secretary Therese Coffey has confirmed the Government could introduce legislation banning American XL bully dogs ‘very quickly' after a spate of attacks on people and livestock.

Ms Coffey - speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday (October 19) - said the Government has recognised the need to act on the ‘horrific' incidents with legislation being processed ‘at pace' after incidents including 22 pregnant sheep which were killed by the breed of dog in North Wales earlier this year.

"I understand that many owners of XL Bully dogs are passionate about their animals and pets," she added.

"This is why we are working at pace, but taking our time to get right the definitions and the transition period we anticipate.

"It is important all dog owners work to make sure that their dogs behave and have appropriate training.

See also: Emergency Efra committee triggered on proposed American XL bully dog ban

"This is why we established a taskforce which includes dog welfare charities.

"We expect it to respond to us by the end of the year, and we will potentially take forward some of its recommendations.

"We are working at pace on the legislation, and importantly on how it will be put into practice, and I hope to say more on this soon."

Veterinary MP Dr Neil Hudson for Penrith and the Borders chaired an emergency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee meeting on Wednesday which heard evidence from animal welfare charities, legal and veterinary experts about the wider implications and practicalities of the ban.

Dr Hudson reaffirmed his support for the ban but demanded clarity on the wider holistic long-term solutions to dog attacks including responsible pet ownership, tackling illicit breeding and better training for dogs. 

"The Government and the Opposition are united on the need for a ban of the American XL bully dog and I am using my professional background as a vet to help to progress this necessary urgent legislation forward," he added.

"I firmly believe we need to do this to keep both people and other animals safe.

"As we have seen with our urgent Efra select committee session, there is a body of work which must be completed at pace to work more broadly on the complex issues of defining XL bully dogs.

"We need to look at the amnesty measures for those dogs which are deemed safe in the transition period - as well as longer term work on responsible and safe pet ownership." 

See also: Prime Minister to ban American bully XL dogs