The RSPCA has called for urgent reform of dangerous dog laws, claiming the ban on XL Bully dogs is failing to protect the public despite hundreds being seized and euthanised.
Marking 34 years since the Dangerous Dogs Act came into force, the charity says current legislation focuses too heavily on a dog’s appearance rather than its behaviour, and is urging ministers to conduct a full review of dog control in England and Wales.
Figures obtained by the RSPCA show that 1,035 dogs were seized by 19 police forces in 2024 as suspected banned types. Nearly two-thirds (65%) were XL bullies. The charity says the true total across all 43 forces is likely to be higher.
At least 511 dogs were put down by police, including 316 in South Yorkshire, and the majority were XL bullies.
The charity says animal rescue centres have also been affected, with more than 690 dogs euthanised in 2024 as a result of the ban, triple the number from the previous year.
In Wiltshire, 47 XL bullies were seized and nine euthanised.
Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, said: “This data paints a predictable and depressing picture. The change in legislation means 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 focused purely on how a dog looks rather than their behaviour.”
Despite the ban, 10 dog-related fatalities occurred in the UK in 2024, a higher number than in any full year preceding the ban’s announcement. Police have reported an increase in incidents involving out-of-control dogs that cause injury.
The RSPCA says the current “patchwork” of data on dog attacks and dangerous dogs is inadequate, and that more consistent national recording is needed to fully understand the scale of the problem and prevent serious incidents.
And XL Bullies can only be kept legally as pets if they comply with strict regulations, including the owner obtaining an exemption certificate by the end of January 2024, and wearing a muzzle in all public places.
One such responsible owner is Hannah Graham, who adopted Hippo three days before the ban on taking on such pets came into force two years ago.
Since then, he has built up an online following, and she says he has been a ‘cuddle monster’ since he settled into her home.
“He’s a dog who wants to be close to us all the time; he loves people, and everyone he meets and sees,” added Hannah.
“Some people avoid us out and about or are cautious, and we know some people aren’t comfortable about XL Bullies. But others make a big effort to come and say hello and meet him. For those initially nervous, Hippo often changes their mind with his infectious personality.”
Hannah said that she is supportive of the campaign against the XL Bully ban, saying many innocent dogs had been affected. Instead, she wanted to see a return of dog licensing, something phased out in the 1980s.
She added: “The UK Government urgently needs to adopt a different approach, focused instead on preventing dangerous behaviours rather than focusing on the dog’s individual breed.
“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.”
