Shocking statistics from the RSPCA reveal a significant surge in reports of neglect, abandonment, and deliberate harm towards XL Bullies within the first eight months of this year.
The animal welfare charity is publicising these figures to commemorate the one-year anniversary (September 15) of the UK Government’s announcement that the breed would be outlawed. The legislation was implemented in England and Wales on December 31 last year.
The number of reports made to the RSPCA of intentional harm to XL Bullies in the first eight months of 2024 was 103, compared to 39 in the same period in 2023 – just before the ban was announced, marking a rise of 164 per cent.
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In addition, reports of abandoned XL Bullies have skyrocketed by 692 per cent (103 from January to August 2024, compared to 13 for the same period in 2023). And reports of neglect towards the breed have increased by 239 per cent (366 from January to August 2024, compared to 108 in 2023).
Recent incidents reported to the RSPCA include:, reports Cornwall Live.
Following the ban on XL Bullies, there are now five types of dogs which are illegal in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act – including the pit bull terrier, Japanese rosa, fila brasiliero and dogo argentino.
Dr Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA’s dog welfare expert and the charity’s lead on breed-specific legislation, expressed deep concerns as she 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 a direct result of the recent UK Government ban on this type of dog.”
(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
Owners of XL Bully dogs are now required to prove their pets have been neutered in order to secure a Certificate of Exemption. Without this certificate, it’s illegal to keep an XL Bully in England and Wales.
The government’s official guidance states: “If you own an XL Bully dog, you must provide Defra with evidence that your dog has been neutered for your Certificate of Exemption to remain valid. If you do not provide evidence that your dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, your dog will no longer be exempt.”
It further specifies: “Your XL Bully dog must be permanently neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed. An RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon must perform the neutering procedure.”
For dogs aged between seven months and under 12 months, the deadline to submit proof of neutering is December 31, 2024. For those under seven months, the cut-off date is June 30, 2025.
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