The RSPCA says more XL Bullies are suffering since being banned in England and Wales six months ago, with reports of intentional harm and neglect towards the type of dog now soaring.
Exclusive RSPCA figures reveal that reports of neglect relating to XL Bully types reported to the charity have gone up 230 percent (from 164 in 2023, to 542 for the first six months of 2024).
Meanwhile, the number of reports of intentional harm to XL Bully type dogs has gone up 96 percent (78 in 2023, 153 for the first six months of 2024), while reports of XL Bully types dogs being left unattended has increased by 514 percent (21 in 2023, 129 for first six months of 2024).
The RSPCA is a member of the Dog Control Coalition which has long been campaigning for an urgent review of legislation that bans dogs based on their type and appearance. Protecting public safety is a priority but the current dog control approach is not the answer and is failing to protect the public while also compromising dog welfare.
Tens of thousands of XL Bully type dogs were exempted by their owners after the UK Government announced the impending ban, and are now living under strict rules such as always being on the lead, muzzled in public and having been neutered.
The number of reports of neglect and intentional harm towards XL Bullies seems to have risen since the ban came in.
RSPCA Dog Welfare Expert Dr Samantha Gaines is the charity’s lead on dog control and breed specific legislation. She said: “It is hugely concerning that figures show a big jump in reports to us about cruelty and neglect specifically aimed at XL Bully type dogs since the start of the year.
“We’ve seen an increase generally in serious abuse to animals – particularly intentional harm and beatings – but the increase in reports relating specifically to XL Bully types is very alarming.
“We fear that this is a direct result of the recent UK Government ban on this type of dog. This could be a result of the extra pressures this ban has placed on desperate owners who may already be struggling to care for their dogs during this cost of living crisis. But even worse, these could be deliberate acts of cruelty towards dogs who have become increasingly demonised in recent months.”
The UK Government recently added the XL Bully to the list of banned types, making it illegal to own them in England and Wales since 1 February 2024. Bans in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have followed.
Five types of dogs are now banned in England and Wales , including the Pit Bull Terrier type, Japanese Tosa type, Fila Brasiliero type, Dogo Argentino type, and the XL Bully type, under the Dangerous Dogs Act – commonly known as breed specific legislation (BSL).
Dr Gaines added: “We want to see the new UK Government commit to tackling the root causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs which are complex but include improving and enforcing current breeding and dog control regulations, and to promote responsible dog ownership, in order to effectively protect public safety while also ensuring better dog welfare.
“The ban on XL Bully types not only remains devastating for so many dogs, but continues to take a heavy toll on their owners who love their dogs. They’ve had to find funds to pay for the exemption process and exemption requirements – such as neutering – during a time when many household finances are tight. The process has also had a huge emotional impact on families who have been worried about saving their beloved dogs’ lives.”
