Police Spending Soars After XL Bully Ban, Data Reveals

Police spending on kennels and veterinary bills in England and Wales has more than tripled since the XL bully ban came into force, with some forces recording an almost 500% spending increase since the new law was enacted in 2024.

Data from 22 police forces obtained via freedom of information requests showed police spending had soared from an average of £137,400 per force in 2022-23 to £423,136 in 2024-25.

The XL bully ban, which came into effect in February 2024, prohibited the breeding, sale, and ownership of XL bully dogs in England and Wales. The move was intended to address concerns over the breed's potential for aggression and risk to public safety.

However, the data suggests the ban has led to a significant increase in the number of dogs being seized and kenneled by police, resulting in skyrocketing costs for kenneling and veterinary care.

One police force, which saw a 495% increase in spending, said the majority of their additional costs were due to the "huge volume of dogs" that had been seized and required kenneling and veterinary attention.

The data also revealed that some police forces were spending hundreds of thousands of pounds per year on kenneling and veterinary care, with one force reporting a staggering £1.2 million in costs over the three-year period.

Animal welfare groups have raised concerns about the impact of the XL bully ban, arguing that it has led to the displacement and suffering of thousands of dogs. The new data suggests the financial burden on police forces may also be significant, with taxpayers ultimately footing the bill for the increased spending.

As the debate over the XL bully ban continues, the data highlights the complex and far-reaching implications of such legislation, and the need for policymakers to carefully consider the unintended consequences of their decisions.