New RSPCA figures reveal the charity received 1,235 reports concerning XL Bully-type dogs in England and Wales during 2024, the year the ban came into force.
That was more than 50 times the 23 incidents recorded in 2020.
Although the total fell to 849 last year, the figure remained 3,591 per cent higher than in 2020.
The figures show particularly sharp rises in reports of neglect, abandonment and deliberate harm.
Neglect cases climbed from just seven in 2020 to 360 in 2023, before reaching a peak of 658 in 2024. A further 429 were reported during 2025.
Reports of intentional harm rose from nine in 2020 to 210 in 2024, while abandonments and incidents involving dogs left unattended increased from two to 180 over the same period.
Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert and lead on dog control issues, said the publicity surrounding XL Bullies and the subsequent ban may have fuelled hostility towards the animals.
She said: “The popularity of American XL Bully type dogs has surged over the last decade so it’s unsurprising that figures relating to the number of calls we receive about them have gone up.
“Unfortunately, animal cruelty is something we’ve seen spike; in fact we’ve seen a 64% increase in summer cruelty to animals over the last five years.
“What is particularly worrying is the sharp rise in reports of neglect and intentional harm directed towards these dogs, particularly in 2023 and 2024 when they were in the media a lot, and we fear that the ban in the UK has demonised them.”
The Government added the XL Bully to the list of prohibited dog types following a series of serious and fatal attacks.
Since February 1, 2024, it has been illegal to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption.
Tens of thousands of owners secured exemptions allowing them to keep their dogs, but they must comply with strict conditions. These include keeping the animal on a lead and muzzled whenever it is in public.
XL Bullies are also subject to restrictions including neutering, microchipping and third-party public liability insurance.
Dr Gaines said the new rules had placed additional pressure on owners who were already struggling, while negative portrayals of the dogs may have encouraged targeted abuse.
She added: “We’re concerned that there was a spike in reports relating specifically to XL Bullies in 2024, and believe this was as a result of the ban, with increased pressures placed on desperate owners struggling to take care of their pets or fearing how they will cope with owning an exempted dog, or due to targeted violence towards dogs who have been unfairly misrepresented.
“Last year saw a decrease in the number of incidents concerning dogs reported as XL Bullies and we hope that this trend continues with fewer dogs being abused.”
Among the dogs affected by the restrictions is Lenny, who was born in RSPCA kennels after his mother, Xena, was rescued by the charity.
He spent his first few months at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset before maintenance worker Ade Taverner agreed to foster him.
Ade said: “Lenny has always been around people, including our young grandson, and has grown up as a sociable, loving and affectionate dog.
“He’s a real character and has won the hearts of all our family, friends and anyone who visits our home, even the postman who always comes with treats and who Lenny sits and eagerly awaits every morning!”
But Ade said Lenny’s behaviour during walks had changed since the muzzle and lead requirements were introduced.
He explained: “Since the ban came in and the compulsory wearing of a muzzle, we have noticed a change in his behaviour when he is out and about. He can be quite reactive to other dogs which we believe is due to frustration because he has to stay on the lead and keep his muzzle on.
“Lenny has always been receptive to training and responds really well to commands, and we felt muzzle training had gone well, so it’s really sad to see the ban and the muzzle restriction impacting his walks, which he generally really enjoys.
“Lenny is really affectionate; a big softy, and a huge part of our family. We love him dearly.”
Five dog types are prohibited in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, fila Brasileiro, dogo Argentino and XL Bully.
The legislation is commonly described as breed-specific legislation because dogs can be classified according to their physical characteristics rather than their parentage or DNA.
The RSPCA is part of the Dog Control Coalition, which is campaigning for an urgent overhaul of the law.
While the coalition says protecting the public must remain the priority, it argues that banning dogs according to their appearance has failed to prevent attacks and has compromised animal welfare.
It wants ministers to tackle the causes of aggressive behaviour by strengthening and enforcing breeding and dog-control regulations and promoting responsible ownership.
The figures were released as part of the RSPCA’s Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues summer fundraising campaign. The charity says reports of animal cruelty traditionally peak during the summer and are currently at their highest level in five years.
Donations can be made at rspca.org.uk/summer-appeal.
