Since the ban on XL bully dogs was enforced nearly a year ago, police forces in England and Wales have faced a significant surge in the number of dangerous dog seizures.
On average, more than three dogs a day have been destroyed, as authorities struggle to handle the growing number of banned dogs and related incidents.
The government’s introduction of laws restricting the breeding and sale of XL bullies followed a series of high-profile attacks, some of them fatal.
The law, which came into effect on December 31, 2023, made it illegal to own an XL bully unless the dog was registered before the deadline.
The law also applies to four other breeds: pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros. Owners of these dogs must have them neutered, muzzled in public, and kept in secure conditions.
However, nearly one year into the ban, the number of incidents involving these dogs continues to rise.
According to responses to Freedom of Information requests sent by the BBC, police forces in England and Wales reported a drastic increase in the seizure of suspected banned dogs.
In the first eight months of 2024 alone, 1,991 dogs were seized, up from just 283 in the whole of 2023.
Additionally, 818 dogs had been destroyed by police, more than double the amount from the previous year.
This surge in seizures has put a significant strain on police forces, with the cost of housing the dogs in kennels skyrocketing from £4 million to £25 million annually.
Many police forces are struggling to manage the increasing demand, with several reporting that their facilities are at or near full capacity.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, National Police Chief Council’s (NPCC) lead for dangerous dogs, expressed concern over the financial and logistical pressures the ban has placed on police forces.
He highlighted that costs for veterinary bills, kennel fees, staff training, and additional equipment have added an “incredible” financial burden. He also called for more government funding to help meet these new demands.
Despite the ban, dog attacks show no signs of decreasing. In fact, 22 out of 25 police forces reported more incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Lisa Willis, a victim of an XL bully attack, voiced her frustration with the law, calling it “useless” after she was mauled by an XL bully months after the ban.
Willis, whose arm was severely injured in the attack, believes owners of dangerous dogs should be banned from acquiring other animals, but in her case, the owner of the dog that attacked her replaced it “within weeks.”
The challenge of identifying XL bullies also complicates enforcement. The dogs are classified as a “type” rather than a breed, making it difficult for officers to determine whether a dog falls under the ban.
Police forces have asked for changes to the law that would allow for greater flexibility in dealing with unsuspecting owners of XL bullies while maintaining strong powers against illegal breeders and repeat offenders.
While the government maintains that the XL bully ban is an essential measure to protect public safety, the rising costs, increasing number of attacks, and the challenges in enforcement suggest that the law is having unintended consequences.
Police forces are calling for reform to better address the growing threat of dangerous dogs while ensuring that their resources are effectively allocated.
