UK Dog Attacks Surge Despite Breed-Specific Legislation

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Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash

Last Updated: January 30, 2025

🚨 New data reveals dog attacks across the UK have increased by 6.52% since the XL Bully ban came into force, despite hopes the legislation would reduce incidents.

Police forces in England and Wales have spent over £11 million on kennelling banned breeds since February, with individual XL Bully cases costing approximately £1,000 per month.

The investigation by www.mypetsvet.co.uk found Warwickshire Police recorded the highest increase, with attacks up by 28.12% compared to 2023. Only three forces reported decreases, led by Staffordshire Police with a 13.29% reduction.

The police forces that responded with evidence of an increase in dog attacks throughout 2024 compared to 2023 are:

Police Force2023 total dog attacks2024 total dog attacks% increase YoY
Warwickshire Police313401+28.12%
Gwent Police427535+25.29%
Wiltshire Police411478+16.30%
Dyfed-Powys Police259299+15.44%
South Yorkshire Police9701,087+12.06%
Northumbria Police685764+11.53%
West Mercia Police708781+10.31%
Cambridgeshire Police363398+9.64%
Greater Manchester Police1,5341,641+6.98%
West Yorkshire Police1,0901,157+6.15%
Sussex Police1,0441,103+5.65%
North Wales Police511535+4.70%
Surrey Police713722+1.26%

Nick Horniman MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and founder of www.mypetsvet.co.uk, said: “The data showing a 6.52% nationwide increase in dog attacks following the XL Bully Ban is concerning. It suggests that targeting a specific breed hasn’t addressed the wider issues surrounding dog behaviour and public safety. With attacks increasing in the majority of areas, it’s clear that the focus needs to shift towards more effective solutions for tackling dangerous incidents involving dogs.”

Analysis shows May was the peak month for incidents with 1,049 reported attacks, while January saw the lowest number at 654 cases.

Between February and September 2024, authorities seized 4,586 suspected banned dogs, with 848 being euthanised at an estimated cost of £340,000.

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