XL bully ban places 'huge burden on policing' and costs millions in vet bills as kennel spaces 'reach capacity'
WATCH: Hospitalised XL bully attack victim speaks out AGAINST a ban on the breed
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The ban on XL bully dogs is expected to cost police forces up to £25million in veterinary bills and kennelling by April this year, police chiefs have warned.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) revealed the staggering figure this morning - which represents a 500 per cent increase from 2018, when similar costs amounted to £4million.
The skyrocketing expenses come as police forces across England and Wales grapple with the enforcement of the ban, which was introduced in February last year.
Police figures show 4,586 suspected banned dogs were seized across England and Wales between February and September 2024.
Some 4,586 suspected banned dogs were seized across England and Wales between February and September 2024
GETTYOf these seized animals, 848 were euthanised after owners failed to comply with the ban or take advantage of the compensation scheme.
The cost of euthanising these dogs alone has been estimated at £340,000.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, the NPCC's lead for dangerous dogs, warned that the ban is placing "a huge burden on policing".
"We are facing a number of challenges in kennel capacity, resourcing and ever-mounting costs, and as of today we have not received any additional funding to account for this," he said.
MORE XL BULLY NEWS:
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough warned that the ban is placing 'a huge burden on policing'
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"We urgently need the Government to support us in coping with the huge demand the ban has placed on our ever-stretched resources."
The NPCC revealed it costs approximately £1,000 per month to keep a single XL bully in kennels.
Police chiefs warned that kennel spaces are "reaching capacity" across the country.
The costs continue to increase daily as more dogs are seized, putting additional strain on police resources.
Police forces are taking 114 dangerous dogs off Britain's streets each week - here are the top 20 regions where they're doing itGB NEWSSince February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.
Owners of unregistered dogs face potential fines and prosecution, with their pets being seized by authorities.
The XL bully joins four other breeds currently prohibited in the UK: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro.
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