The RSPCA has said the XL bully ban is “failing to protect the public”, with new figures showing high numbers of suspected banned dogs being seized and euthanised while dog attacks and fatalities continue. The charity is calling for a full review of dog control, including the Dangerous Dogs Act, which became law 34 years ago.
Government restrictions on XL bullies came into force in late 2023, making it illegal to breed, sell, advertise or give away the dogs. By February 2024, ownership without an exemption certificate also became an offence. Under the ban, dogs identified as prohibited types, including XL bullies, can be seized by police.
Figures obtained by the RSPCA show that 1,035 suspected banned dogs were seized across 19 police forces in 2024, of which 674, or more than 65%, were identified as XL bullies. Leicestershire reported the highest number, with 192 dogs seized including 177 XL bullies.
Nottinghamshire recorded 145 seizures, Thames Valley 134, Humberside 99 and Lincolnshire 52. Seven forces reported euthanasia figures, showing 511 banned dogs put to sleep, 316 of them in South Yorkshire.
Despite the restrictions, there were ten dog-related fatalities in the UK in 2024, the highest in any year since records began
The ban has also affected the rescue sector. The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes said its members euthanised 693 dogs in 2024 because of the legislation, compared with 201 in 2023 and 80 in 2022. Despite the restrictions, there were ten dog-related fatalities in the UK in 2024, the highest in any year since records began in 1981, and police also reported more incidents involving out-of-control dogs causing injury.
Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, said, “This data paints a predictable and depressing picture – with the change in legislation meaning high numbers of XL bully dogs are being seized and put to sleep. Many of these dogs will have been much-loved family pets; their existence made illegal by a change of legislation focussed purely on how a dog looks rather than their behaviour.”
Hippo, an XL bully, was adopted by Hannah Graham from the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre just three days before the ban on adopting them came into force at the end of 2023. Hannah said, “The moment we saw his picture on the RSPCA website, it really was love at first sight. We travelled down to the centre, stayed nearby overnight, and luckily it was a perfect match.”
She said that complying with the new rules was stressful, with suitable muzzles difficult to find at first. “The ban also came in quite quickly, meaning muzzles weren’t routinely available straight away in sizes suitable for an XL bully and initially we found muzzles were just too small for him. We were worried he would be too hot going out, or have issues with panting. Thankfully, he has a much bigger muzzle now.”
Despite the challenges, Hippo has settled into family life in Melton Mowbray and now has more than 7,500 followers on Instagram, where Hannah shares updates on his daily life.
The RSPCA says a new approach is needed, one that focuses on preventing dangerous behaviours and promoting responsible ownership. Dr Gaines added, “The law has been failing dogs and, crucially, public safety too for long. It’s time for decision makers to review the current dog control situation and commit to measures which effectively protect public safety and safeguard dog welfare.”
