Data reveals how many XL Bullies remain after ban

Around 57,000 American XL Bullies remain in England and Wales after being exempted from the ban, new figures reveal.

It has been a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without a certificate of exemption since 1 February 2024, but just 0.7% of the breed have been taken off the streets, according to new government statistics for England and Wales released under the Freedom of Information Act.

In addition, the data reveals that just 395 dogs have been put down since the ban came into force.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert, told the Daily Mail: “The RSPCA, along with other organisations, has been very concerned about the numbers of dogs affected by the XL Bully ban – with these latest exemption figures much greater than estimates originally provided by the UK government – placing significant pressure on the capacity of services linked to the exemption process, like vets.

“But, positively, the high number of exemptions and low euthanasia rate shows that there are a huge number of responsible owners who want to keep their much-loved family pet.”

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