More than 100 Bully XL dogs killed per month since ban in England and Wales: report

More than 100 dangerous dogs on average per month have been destroyed since XL bully dogs were banned in England and Wales, according to a report published in BBC after accessing the data via responses from 19 police forces under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI). In the first eight months of the year, 1,991 banned dogs were seized, compared to 283 for the whole of 2023, while 818 dogs were destroyed, more than double the previous year’s figures.

Since February this year, it has been illegal for anyone to own an XL bully unless they have an exemption certificate and comply with strict rules which include neutering and muzzle the dog in public. Shockingly, the cost of breeding the dogs and disposing of the bodies came to Rs 267 crore (£25 million), with many facilities operating at full capacity.

“The cost of kennel and vet fees currently stands at over £11 million and is expected to total over £25 million by the end of the financial year,” Superintendent Patrick O’ said Hara, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council. NPCC), adding that the new legislation had imposed a huge additional demand on resources.

“We have not yet received any additional funding to help us cope with this additional demand which we expect will continue to increase since the government banned the bullie XL,” he added.

Read also | American man mauled to death by his own Bully XL dogs in front of horrified spectators

What is an XL bully and how dangerous is it?

An XL bully is a type of American bully dog ​​with a muscular body and a stocky head, suggesting great strength and power for (their) size, according to British government guidelines. XL male dogs measure 51 cm (20 inches) at the withers, with XL females being only slightly smaller.

According to the data According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 16 deaths from dog attacks in the first nine months of 2023, compared to six for the whole of 2022. However, official figures do not break down the number of attacks or deaths by type. of dog.

Despite the lack of data, government officials have argued that the notorious breed has been “disproportionately involved” in deaths recorded since 2021. In total, there are now five types of dogs banned in Britain: the XL bully, the pit bull terrier, the Japanese Tosa and the Doga. Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.