RSPCA warns that XL Bully ban is failing to protect the public

The RSPCA has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the recent ban on XL Bully dogs, warning that despite thousands of suspected banned dogs being seized by police forces and hundreds euthanised, attacks and fatalities have continued.

Since the government introduced the XL Bully ban in September 2023, the breed has been prohibited from breeding, sale, advertising, and transfer. Ownership became illegal from February 2024 without a valid exemption certificate. This breed-specific legislation, part of the Dangerous Dogs Act – which marks 34 years this year – aimed to improve public safety but has yet to achieve its goals, says the RSPCA.

Under section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act, police have authority to seize prohibited breeds, including XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros.

Data from 19 police forces across England and Wales shows that 1,140 suspected banned dogs were seized in 2024, with XL Bullies accounting for over 65%. Forces with the highest seizure figures include:

• Leicestershire (177 XL Bullies seized)
• Nottinghamshire (142)
• Thames Valley (134 banned dogs seized)
• Humberside (99)
• Lincolnshire (52)

With 43 forces nationally, these numbers are believed to be a fraction of the total; the National Police Chiefs’ Council reported that by January 2025, over 4,500 XL Bullies had been seized since the ban’s introduction. This surge has forced police forces to increase kennel capacity by around a third, and 714 dogs have been euthanised across 18 forces.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA Head of Companion Animals, said: “Many of these dogs were much-loved family pets, made illegal due to legislation focused on looks rather than behaviour.”

Police and the RSPCA advocate for a shift towards laws prioritising responsible ownership and dog behaviour over breed bans, which they say miss the root causes of dangerous incidents.

One case highlighting the complexities is Hippo, an XL Bully adopted just days before the ban came into effect. Owner Hannah Graham spoke of challenges navigating vague regulations and sourcing suitable muzzles – a legal requirement under the act. Despite this, Hippo has thrived in his new home and gained thousands of social media followers.

“The ban targets the wrong dogs. Innocent pets suffer while irresponsible owners switch breeds to evade the law. That’s why I support dog licensing instead.”

Hannah Graham

Alarmingly, in 2024 there were ten recorded dog-related human fatalities – the highest since official records began in 1981 – and an increase in out-of-control dog attacks reported by police forces. Dr Gaines, from the RSPCA, stressed: “The Dangerous Dogs Act hasn’t worked for 34 years. We need a fresh strategy focused on behaviour to better protect people and dogs.”

The RSPCA also called for improved data collection on dog attacks and bites, noting inconsistent police recording hampers efforts to understand and prevent incidents.

Together with police partners, the charity continues to campaign for reform that balances public safety with animal welfare.

---

To read more stories like this, check out our Frontline channel.