A significant strain has been placed on UK policing following the enforcement of the ban on XL Bullies last year, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Nearly a year since the ban was implemented in the UK due to a string of fatal incidents caused by XL Bullies, Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police, who leads on dangerous dogs for the NPCC, stated that police expenses are projected to escalate by 500% in handling dangerous dogs by the end of the fiscal year. Since the ban was put in place on February 1, 2024, following a series of fatalities and injuries linked to XL Bullies in the UK, Mark Hobrough expressed that the demand for handling these cases has been overwhelming.
Forces are facing major hurdles such as a shortage of kennel space and resources to manage the influx of cases related to dangerous dogs. From February to September 2024, police authorities in Wales and England confiscated over 4,500 suspected specified dogs, which are any banned breed specified under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The NPCC highlighted that the monthly upkeep cost for housing these dogs in kennels can amount to £1,000. Moreover, forces have reported delays in court proceedings, with some dangerous dog cases not scheduled until mid-2026, adding more pressure on police resources. Veterinary expenses and kennelling costs have soared from £4 million in 2018 to over £11 million across UK forces, with expectations to reach £25 million by April 2025.
Chief Constable Hobrough detailed the impact of the ban, stating that additional dog liaison officers were trained following the prohibition, with existing dog handlers being redeployed from other policing tasks. The procurement of extra vehicles, equipment, and kennel space has been necessary but challenging due to limited resources available in the industry. The focus on responsible dog ownership has been emphasized, urging people to select dog breeds that match their lifestyle, environment, and experience.
Furthermore, Chief Constable Hobrough called upon the UK Government to provide more support to police forces in handling the escalating demands triggered by the ban. He suggested the need for amendments to existing legislation to allow alternative avenues to address unique circumstances in dog-related cases, advocating for out-of-court disposals for certain situations. While enforcing the law against those intentionally breeding and selling dangerous dogs, he highlighted the importance of differentiating between individuals inadvertently owning banned breeds and deliberate offenders.
The NPCC reported that between February and September 2024, 848 dogs were seized and euthanised by police forces in England and Wales at an estimated cost of £340,000. The dogs were surrendered by owners who failed to comply with the ban or neglected to partake in a compensation scheme. Additionally, forces spent approximately £560,000 on staff overtime during that period concerning dog-related incidents. The NPCC stressed the financial burden and resource strains faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with dangerous dogs post- XL Bully ban.
The NPCC’s insights shed light on the escalating challenges encountered by police forces post the XL Bully ban, with Chief Constable Hobrough emphasising the need for strategic interventions to manage the surge in demand effectively. This ongoing issue necessitates collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and the public to address the multifaceted issues concerning dangerous dogs in the UK. The impact of the XL Bully ban on policing operations serves as a poignant reminder of the complex nature of animal welfare and public safety regulations, requiring a comprehensive approach to ensure effective enforcement and community protection.