Police seize 4,500 dogs following XL bully ban

...but forces face a 500% increase in costs for the crackdown

- Paul Jeeves

POLICE have seized more than 4,500 dogs since the ban on owning XL bullies was introduced but cash-strapped forces fear the move has sent their costs rocketing by 500%.

They are expecting the grim news by the end of the financial year.

It is illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, which requires the dog be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

In addition, owners cannot breed, sell, or give them away.

Action

Mark Hobrough, National Police Chiefs' Council senior officer for dangerous dogs, said: "Since the introduction of the ban on XL bullies, police services have had to quickly adapt.