Police chiefs are raising concerns about the mounting pressures on law enforcement following the introduction of the ban on XL bully dogs in England and Wales.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has highlighted significant challenges, including escalating kennel capacity issues, rising costs, and increased demand for resources.
The ban, which came into effect on February 1, 2024, was enacted after a series of attacks involving XL bullies, a breed known for its muscular build and powerful physique.
As part of the ban, it is now a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog without an exemption certificate. Police forces are tasked with seizing unregistered dogs, which are then placed in kennels or, in some cases, euthanised.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, the NPCC lead for dangerous dogs, pointed out that the financial impact of enforcing the ban has been severe.
Kennelling costs and veterinary expenses have skyrocketed, from £4 million in 2018 to an estimated £11 million between February and September 2024. He projected that by April 2025, the total cost could reach £25 million, marking a 500% increase.
“We are facing a huge burden in terms of costs, kennel capacity, and staffing demands,” Hobrough said. “The force’s response to the ban has driven down the number of dog attacks, but the demand continues to be overwhelming.”
While police have increased kennel space by a third to accommodate the rising number of seized dogs, the NPCC reported that spaces are quickly reaching capacity.
The cost of housing an XL bully in a kennel is estimated at £1,000 per month, placing additional strain on already stretched resources.
Between February and September 2024, police forces in England and Wales seized 4,586 dogs suspected of being banned, including XL bullies.
Of those, 848 dogs were euthanised at an estimated cost of £340,000. Furthermore, the NPCC reported spending approximately £560,000 on staff overtime to manage the enforcement efforts.
Despite the challenges, Hobrough emphasized the need for responsible dog ownership. “Policing will uphold the government’s decisions, and we will act robustly to enforce the ban,” he said. “But the bigger picture must remain focused on responsible dog ownership.”
The ban has also sparked debate over the breed’s inherent dangers. Supt. Patrick O’Hara, the NPCC tactical lead, stated that while not all XL bullies are inherently dangerous, their sheer size and strength can make them potentially harmful. “They have the propensity to be dangerous due to their power and size,” O’Hara added.
The situation has been compounded by the lack of additional funding from the government to cover the rising costs.
While conversations with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are ongoing, there has yet to be a formal agreement on how to address the additional financial burden placed on police forces.
In Northern Ireland, a similar approach has been adopted, with XL bullies required to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public. Meanwhile, in Scotland, restrictions closely mirror those in England and Wales.
As the ban continues to take effect, police forces are struggling to balance public safety with the escalating costs of enforcement.
With the number of XL bully dogs seized and euthanised likely to rise, the NPCC is calling for more resources and support from the government to ensure the policy’s successful implementation.
