Fatalities and dog bites remain an issue in Thames Valley

    RSPCA calls for dog control reform - with XL bully ban ‘failing’ to protect public.

    The XL bully ban is "failing" says the RSPCA - as dog bites, attacks and human fatalities persist, despite new data obtained by the charity showing thousands of suspected banned dogs have been seized and hundreds euthanased.

     

    Instead, the charity wants Ministers to commit to a full and in depth review of dog control, including the Dangerous Dogs Act, which last week marks 34 years on the statute book.

    RSPCA is a member of the Dog Control Coalition, which is working towards more effective and sustainable dog control across the UK with rules that focus on dog behaviour and responsible ownership.

    The ban has also had a significant impact on the charity sector. Figures from the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes show its members had to put to sleep 693 dogs in 2024 as a result of the legislation - more than triple the 2023 figure (201), and more than eight times the numbers in 2022 (80).

    "Many of these dogs will have been much-loved family pets; their existence made illegal by a change of legislation focussed purely on how a dog looks rather than their behaviour."

    "Within hours, he just wanted cuddles. He's a dog who wants to be close to us all the time - he loves people; and everyone he meets and sees," added Hannah.

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