Banned American XL bully dogs will not be put down, says the UK’s top vet.

Chief Veterinary Officer Prof Christine Middlemiss said there will be an "amnesty" which will allow owners to keep existing pets – under strict conditions.

PM Rishi Sunak pledged to outlaw the breed by the end of the year after a series of attacks by XL Bullies.

READ MORE: Owner of XL bullys that mauled man to death described dog as ‘mean-looking f***er’

"I share the nation’s horror at the recent videos we’ve all seen," he said.

"It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on.

"While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I want to reassure people that we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and protect the public."

Earlier this week dad-of-two Ian Price, 52, right, died after being savaged by two XL bully-type dogs in Stonnall, Staffs.

But Prof Middlemiss said: "There will be an amnesty. So people that already have these dogs… you will need to register and take certain actions.

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  Fate of your XL Bully pet when ban on 'devil' dog breed comes into force

"Your dog will need to be neutered. It will need to be muzzled when out in public and on a lead and insured.

"But if you comply with these actions… then yes, absolutely, you will be able to keep your dog."

Witnesses watched in horror as Mr Price was savaged by the dogs as they went into a "frenzy", with one neighbour trying to beat the beasts with sticks in a bid to save the man.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of dogs dangerously out of control and manslaughter after the attack on Mr Price.

One of his dogs died after being strangled using a dogcatcher pole, while the other was killed after its owner gave permission for it to receive a lethal injection.

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