Dog attacks across the United Kingdom have reportedly seen a rise following the ban on XL Bully breeds. The ban, which came into effect in February, has led to an increase in dog attacks, with police forces spending over £11 million on kennelling banned dog breeds since the ban took effect. Owning an XL Bully dog without an exemption certificate became a criminal offense last year, leading to seizures and possible fines and prosecution for unregistered pets. The banned dog breeds under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 include XL Bully, pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Brasileiro.
Police forces in England and Wales have seized 4,586 suspected Section 1 banned dogs between February and September 2024. Additionally, 848 dogs were seized and euthanised during the same period, costing an estimated £340,000. Despite the hope that the XL Bully ban would decrease dog attacks, data obtained through a Freedom Of Information request indicates a 6.62% increase in dog attacks nationwide since the ban took full effect on February 1, 2024. The ban on XL Bully breeds was enforced due to both the frequency and severity of attacks, with the breed accounting for around half of fatal dog attacks in the UK between 2021 and 2023.
As of now, more than one-third of UK police forces have responded to the FOI request, providing data on dog attacks in 2023 and 2024. Only three police forces reported a decrease in dog attacks in 2024 compared to 2023. Staffordshire Police noted a decrease of 13.29%, Nottinghamshire Police saw an 11.90% drop, and South Wales Police reported a 1.87% reduction. On the other hand, several police forces reported an increase in dog attacks in 2024 compared to 2023.
According to the data collected, Warwickshire Police experienced a 28.12% increase, Gwent Police saw a 25.29% rise, and Wiltshire Police reported a 16.30% increase in dog attacks. Other police forces, such as Dyfed-Powys Police, South Yorkshire Police, and Northumbria Police, also reported double-digit percentage increases in dog attacks during the same period. Nick Horniman MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and founder of an online pet pharmacy, expressed concern over the 6.52% nationwide increase in dog attacks post the XL Bully ban. Horniman emphasised the need for a broader focus on responsible dog ownership, training, and environmental factors, rather than singling out specific breeds.
The data also revealed that May was the most common month for dog attacks in England and Wales, with January being the least likely month for such incidents. The findings underscore the complexity of addressing dog-related incidents and reflect the importance of education and enforcement of proper care standards for all dog breeds, irrespective of breed type. As discussions around dog breed bans continue, it is crucial to consider holistic strategies that promote responsible pet ownership and enhance public safety.