Surge in Police Spending on Kennelling Following XL Bully Ban

Since the implementation of the XL bully ban in 2024, police spending on kennelling and veterinary bills in England and Wales has surged dramatically. Data from 22 police forces reveals that average spending per force increased from £137,400 in 2022-23 to £423,136 in 2024-25, marking an increase of over 300%. Notably, West Mercia police reported a staggering 674% rise in costs, from £92,383 to £715,349 within the same timeframe. This escalation in expenses has raised concerns among police officials regarding the sustainability of funding for essential services.

The Guardian

John Campion, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for West Mercia, highlighted the strain on police budgets, stating that rising costs and increased demand are pushing resources to their limits. He emphasized the necessity of government support to manage the financial burden of kennelling illegal dogs, which he believes could adversely affect frontline services. Patrick O’Hara, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) tactical lead on dangerous dogs, noted a one-third increase in kennelling needs since the ban's enactment, predicting that dog attacks may escalate as these dogs mature.

The Guardian

Critics, including Dr. Samantha Gaines from the RSPCA, argue that the ban has not effectively addressed public safety concerns. She pointed out that the increase in dog seizures has led to higher costs for kennelling and euthanasia, diverting resources away from addressing genuinely dangerous dogs. The RSPCA, which opposed the ban, advocates for better data collection on dog bite incidents and a focus on education and prevention rather than seizing dogs based on appearance.

The Guardian

The effectiveness of the XL bully ban remains contentious, with recorded dog attacks in England and Wales rising to 31,920 in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. While there were three reported fatalities involving XL bullies in 2025, the breed's overall impact on dog attack statistics remains unclear. Experts from the Campaign for Evidence-Based Regulation of Dangerous Dogs (CEBRDD) suggest that while the ban may have reduced interest in purchasing XL bullies, a significant population still exists, which could lead to ongoing incidents.

The Guardian

There is a notable lack of comprehensive data regarding the ban's impact on dog attacks and fatalities. The reporting of dog attack deaths is often delayed due to inquest processes, complicating the assessment of the ban's effectiveness. Additionally, the exact breed involved in recent fatal attacks has not been confirmed by police, leaving gaps in understanding the broader implications of the legislation.

The Guardian

Despite the challenges, some officials believe the ban has already mitigated the most severe attacks. However, they acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding its overall effectiveness. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to dog regulation that balances public safety with animal welfare.

The Guardian

• “John Campion, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for the area, said: “Policing is already stretched, and rising costs and growing demand are pushing resources to the limit.” — John Campion, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

The Guardian

• “In the short term I think we will continue to see dog attacks as these dogs start to come of age and reach maturity. So I think it’s going to probably get worse before it gets better.” — Patrick O’Hara, NPCC Tactical Lead on Dangerous Dogs

The Guardian

• “We believe the ban has already limited the most severe attacks, although we can’t say this for certain.” — Anonymous Source

The Guardian