HUNDREDS of XL bullies were seized by South Yorkshire Police last year, the latest figures have revealed.
It became illegal to breed, exchange or advertise an XL bully dog as of December 31, 2023.
A month later, it became a criminal offence to own this breed of dog without an exemption certificate.
The offence falls under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, where dogs can also be seized and euthanised for being ‘dangerously out of control’.
A Freedom of Information request shows 496 of the 808 banned and dangerous dogs seized by South Yorkshire Police in 2024 were suspected to be XL bullies.
The force did not provide figures on the number of dogs that were euthanised.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We all want to live in communities that are safe and we need a clear strategy for dealing with dangerous dogs.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear about anyone who has been injured by a dog or families who have lost a loved one in a dog-related incident.
“But it’s also devastating to hear about so many dogs who have lost their lives simply because they are considered to be a certain type.”
