Deadly Dog Attacks Persist Despite XL Bully Ban

In the two years since the XL Bully breed was banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, the UK has seen a concerning surge in dog seizures and euthanasia. According to new figures, police forces across the country have seized a staggering 15,258 dogs, with 3,638 of them being put down.

This alarming trend has unfolded alongside a series of tragic dog attack incidents, including the recent death of a 3-month-old baby in Wales. The attack occurred despite the XL Bully now being on the list of prohibited breeds, highlighting that the issue goes beyond specific dog types.

Campaigners are now calling for a rethink on the laws surrounding dogs, urging tighter restrictions on breeding and better training for owners. They argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of aggressive behavior, such as poor breeding practices and irresponsible ownership, rather than relying solely on breed-specific legislation.

The data reveals that the Metropolitan Police, which covers the largest population area in the UK, has seized the most dogs, underscoring the scale of the problem. In one recent case, the owner of a cockapoo that mauled a 3-year-old girl was given a community order and ordered to pay costs, while the dog was allowed to return home with the condition of being muzzled and on a short lead.

As the debate around effective dog control measures continues, the government has reconvened a responsible dog ownership taskforce to explore additional measures to protect people and animals from these devastating attacks.