Figures obtained by The Independent showed dog attacks rose by nine per cent in the first five months since the ban was brought in on XL bully dogs

As the XL Bully ban marks its first year, the financial and logistical strain on police forces intensifies, with thousands of dogs seized and a staggering rise in costs, sparking a complex debate on public safety and resource allocation.

One year on from the XL Bully ban, police say it has "driven down" dog attacks but warn that organised crime gangs are now breeding new dangerous animals to get around the new law

Police have revealed 848 dogs were surrendered by their owners and euthanised after the ban came into force – with no assessment of their dangerousness – costing £340k in vet fees

Kent Police has asked the government for more funding to help with the "huge costs" of enforcing the XL bully ban. It has been illegal to own an XL bully since February 2024, unless the owner has an exemption certificate and complies with strict rules, including neutering and muzzling their dog in public.

A nine-month-old baby was mailed by an XL Bully last month following a string of horrific attacks across the the country by the dogs

The XL bully ban is costing police forces millions of pounds in veterinary bills and kennelling, police chiefs have warned.

Since February, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.