An investigation by the Mirror has uncovered that dog breeders in the UK are exploiting a loophole in the recent ban on XL Bullies by promoting a smaller variant known as the pocket bully. These dogs, which are genetically similar to XL Bullies, have become increasingly popular on resale sites, raising fears of a rise in dangerous attacks. Tragically, incidents involving pocket bullies have already resulted in severe injuries and fatalities, including the death of three-month-old Maggie-May Ann Moody in Redcar, North Yorkshire. Her family expressed their heartbreak, stating they have been robbed of precious memories. Another victim, five-year-old Antonio from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, suffered life-changing injuries from a pocket bully attack, leading his mother to call for a ban on these dogs. Experts highlight that while pocket bullies are currently legal, their muscular build and aggressive potential pose significant risks. The dogs are bred by crossing Pit Bulls with smaller breeds, and their sale has surged since the XL Bully ban went into effect at the start of 2024. Despite the dangers, many ads promoting pocket bullies continue to circulate online, often encouraging aggressive behavior. Experts argue that the focus should be on responsible ownership rather than outright bans, as irresponsible owners are often the root cause of dog attacks. In 2024, there were 31,920 recorded dog attacks in England and Wales, marking a 2% increase from 2023.