A Southampton XL bully owner has said a new ban on the breed will not stop the actions of irresponsible dog owners and will only result in thousands of dogs being killed.

This comes after a Government announcement on Tuesday that XL Bully dogs will be added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dog Act.

From February 1 next year it will be illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales.

Andy Smith, 39, from Hythe owns three XL bullies and has been opposed to the ban since it was proposed.

XL bullies have attacked and killed people - including Ian 'Wiggy' Symes' who was mauled to death in a Fareham park last year.

He says owners are to blame for poorly behaved dogs and attacks, rather than the breed.

Andy said: “XL bullies are currently being sold for less than £80 online as people scramble to get rid of them before the ban comes into place.

“We need a total redesign of the dog-owning system in the UK. There is nobody policing dog owners.

Daily Echo: Andy has three XL Bullies Andy has three XL Bullies (Image: Andy Smith)“Irresponsible owners will now move on to the next big and dangerous dog.

"Are the Government going to ban the Cane Corso or the Dobermann? They are no less dangerous than the XL bully.

“We need the government to bring in licensing for dog owners.

“You need a licence to own a car for the reason that if you are irresponsible people could get hurt.

“That is no different from owning a dog.”

The experienced dog owner has just started studying to become a qualified dog trainer with the dream of being able to open a sanctuary for rescued XL bullies.

He added: “The sad truth is that when no one will buy these dogs and we are left with an abundance of bullies – They will all be taken to be killed.

“That’s the saddest thing to come out of this ban." He said the ban was "disgraceful".

It will become illegal to own an XL Bully from February 1 unless it is included on a list of exempted dogs.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said ministers had taken “quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks”.

She added: “We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”