The RSPCA has seen a gradual increase in reports of “intentional harm and beatings” to XL Bullies
The XL bully ban came into effect on February 1 2024(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
The RSPCA has witnessed an “alarming” rise in the abuse of XL Bully type dogs since the breed was banned a year ago. The animal charity has seen a gradual increase in reports of “intentional harm and beatings” relating to XL Bullies – and experts fear friendly dogs may be put down simply “because they look a certain way.”
XL Bully dogs were added to the banned breed list in December 2023 following a spate of attacks involving the breed, which in turn sparked a public outcry. It became an offence to breed or rehome an XL Bully dog regardless of its age, with the UK government website issuing a grim warning: “You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months (or both) for having a banned dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed.”
XLB owners who wanted to keep their dogs had to apply for an exception certificate from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and follow certain strict rules, including neutering their pet and keeping it on-lead and muzzled in public. At home, it must be kept in a secure place so it cannot escape. The new legislation was first announced by prime minister Rishi Sunak in September 2023 following an alarming rise in XL bully attacks.
While many welcomed the new restrictions, the staggered rollout of the XL Bully ban was not an easy one. Less than a month after the ban came into force in December, an XLB puppy with severe head injuries was found dead in a cage on a residential street in Kent. Just a few days later, one of the dogs was thrown to her death from the A57 flyover in Sheffield. The muzzled female, which was found dead under the road on January 22 2024, was registered to a breeder in Wigan, but her owner’s details had not been recorded.
Last month, Carys Scott, of New Chester Road, Birkenhead, appeared in Wirral Magistrates Court after neglecting her XL Bully so badly he had to be put down. Beige-and-white Marlow was found in a terrible condition, severely emaciated and so weak he could barely stand, after being starved.
Scott admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Marlow(Image: Friends of Birkenhead Council Kennels)
Reports of intentional harm to dogs reported to be XL Bullies increased by 164% in the first eight months of this year, according to figures released by the RSPCA in September. The number of reports made to the charity of intentional harm to XL Bullies in the first eight months of 2024 was 103, compared to 39 in the same time period in 2023 – shortly before the ban on XL Bullies was announced, marking a rise of 164%.
Meanwhile, reports of abandoned XL Bullies increased by 692% (103 from January to August 2024, compared to 13 for the same time period in 2023). And reports of neglect towards the breed increased 239% (366 from January to August 2024, compared to 108 in 2023).
Dr Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA’s dog welfare expert and the charity’s lead on breed specific legislation, said: “These are very concerning figures. We’ve seen an increase generally in reports of serious abuse to animals – particularly intentional harm and beatings – but the increase in reports relating specifically to XL Bully types is very alarming and we fear this is as 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.
“We’re also heartbroken that many dogs have been and will be put to sleep simply because they are considered to be dangerous because they look a certain way.”