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Dozens of XL bullies in Kent seized by police

Getty Images A brown XL bully, with amber eyes, a wrinkled face and small, triangular ears. It wears a collar. Getty Images
The UK government says XL bullies are large dogs "with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for [their] size".

Dozens of XL bully type dogs have been seized by Kent Police since new restrictions came into force, according to figures obtained by the BBC.

Between February and November, the force made 87 seizures, with 54 dogs euthanised and 31 returned to their owner. Two dogs are in kennels while a decision is made on their future.

Since 1 February it has been illegal to own an XL bully unless the owner has an exemption certificate and complies with strict rules, including neutering and muzzling their dog in public.

New laws restricting their breeding and sale came into force on 31 December 2023, following a series of dog attacks across the country.

Det Insp Ben Brennan, of Kent police's dog section, said: "These dogs can be very dangerous and I urge anyone who thinks they or someone they know has an unregistered XL bully or other banned breed to contact us.

"We have experienced officers who are trained to deal with these breeds and they will take the appropriate actions to keep people safe.'"

More than 100 dangerous dogs a month on average have been destroyed since XL bullies were banned, according to a BBC investigation.

Ryan O'Meara Ryan O'Meara sitting on a step outside a house with his dog. He wears a dark t-shirt and jeans and black trainers with white soles. He is wearing glasses. His dog is large, brown and black and with big teeth. Ryan O'Meara
Ryan O'Meara with his rotterman, a rottweiler cross doberman

Any legislation that is not aimed very specifically at improving dog ownership standards is going to fail, according to Ryan O'Meara, a former professional dog trainer.

He told BBC South East: "Until we have a government that is willing to recognise that people are ultimately the cause of dog attacks because they don't socialise the dogs or understand dogs well enough, then we can expect more of the same."

"The way to solve this problem is the introduction of compulsory dog ownership training - a dog ownership test" he added.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the XL bully ban was "an important measure to protect public safety" and it would continue to work with police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to prevent dog attacks "using the full force of the law where needed".

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