Shocking statistics from the RSPCA reveal a significant surge in reports of neglect, abandonment and intentional harm towards XL Bullies in the first eight months of this year. The animal charity has released these figures to mark the one-year anniversary (September 15) of the UK Government's announcement that the breed would be banned.

This law was put into effect in England and Wales on December 31 last year. The number of reports made to the RSPCA of intentional harm to XL Bullies in the first eight months of 2024 was 103, compared to 39 in the same period in 2023 - shortly before the ban was announced, marking a rise of 164%.

In addition, reports of abandoned XL Bullies have skyrocketed by 692% (103 from January to August 2024, compared to 13 for the same period in 2023). Reports of neglect towards the breed have also increased by 239% (366 from January to August 2024, compared to 108 in 2023).

Recent incidents reported to the RSPCA include:

• The body and head of a decapitated XL Bully type dog were found in a shallow grave in Evesham, Worcestershire, last week.
• A dead XL Bully was found with head injuries in a Middlesbrough park in June.
• A cage with a dead XL Bully inside was found floating in a Birmingham canal, also in June.
• An XL Bully puppy was discovered dead in a cage in Bexleyheath in January, with blunt force trauma injuries to their head.
• Also in January, an XL Bully was found dead in a South London alleyway with a fractured skull.

Following the ban on XL Bullies, there are now five types of dogs which are illegal in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act - including the pit bull terrier, Japanese rosa, fila brasiliero and dogo argentino.

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the RSPCA, voiced grave concerns about the surge in mistreatment towards XL Bully type dogs: "These are very concerning figures. We've seen an increase generally in reports of serious abuse to animals - particularly intentional harm and beatings - but the increase in reports relating specifically to XL Bully types is very alarming and we fear this is a direct result of the recent UK Government ban on this type of dog.

"This could be a result of the extra pressures this ban has placed on desperate owners who may already be struggling to care for their dogs during this cost of living crisis. But even worse, these could be deliberate acts of cruelty towards dogs who have become increasingly demonised in recent months. We're also heartbroken that many dogs have been and will be put to sleep simply because they are considered to be dangerous because they look a certain way."

The esteemed animal welfare charity has long been part of the Dog Control Coalition's vigorous campaign to rethink legislation that bans canines solely based on their looks or breed. Maintaining public safety remains essential; however, the current system, according to them, fails everyoneputting both people and dog welfare at risk.

Tens of thousands of XL Bully-type dogs have been registered for exemption by their owners following the government's declaration of the impending statutes; these dogs must now abide by stringent conditions including constant leash and muzzle use in public forums and compulsory neutering.

The RSPCA has expressed concern for the welfare of thousands of XL bully-type dogs in light of the breed ban, highlighting instances of deliberate cruelty alongside the new restrictions. XL Bully dog owners in England and Wales must ensure their pets are neutered to secure a Certificate of Exemption without it, possessing this breed is illegal. A recent amendment now renders those without the certificate as lawbreakers.

The government's official guidance asserts: "If you own an XL Bully dog, you must provide Defra with evidence that your dog has been neutered for your Certificate of Exemption to remain valid. If you do not provide evidence that your dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, your dog will no longer be exempt."

It further clarifies: "Your XL Bully dog must be permanently neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed. An RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon must perform the neutering procedure."

For young dogs aged between seven and under 12 months, there's a grace period until December 31, 2024, to submit neutering evidence. Dogs younger than seven months have until June 30, 2025.