Delays in justice are evident, as some court cases regarding dangerously out-of-control dogs are not scheduled until mid-2026.

A government spokesperson emphasized the importance of the ban for public safety and the expectation for compliance from XL Bully owners, while also promoting responsible dog ownership across all breeds.

The rise in dog attacks, particularly those involving XL Bullies, has raised concerns about the enforcement of new laws, especially following tragic incidents resulting in fatalities.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed that expenses related to managing banned dog breeds surged from £4 million in 2018 to over £11 million between February and September 2024.

Since the enactment of the ban, police have seized over 4,500 suspected banned XL Bully dogs, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough expressed optimism that the number of attacks by XL Bullies would decline as organized crime groups lose interest in breeding these dogs.

Families affected by dog attacks have criticized the enforcement of the ban, noting that they still frequently see XL Bullies being walked without muzzles and calling for better proactive measures, such as training programs.

Hobrough has called for legislative changes to provide police with more options for addressing dog ownership issues, rather than relying solely on the court system.

Despite the ban, there has been no reported reduction in dog attacks, with a 9% increase in incidents involving out-of-control dogs noted in the first five months following the ban.

Contrary to predictions that 10,000 owners would register their XL Bullies, over 55,000 dogs were registered, leading to 848 dogs being surrendered and euthanized without danger assessments, costing £340,000 in vet fees.

Police forces have had to invest in additional vehicles and equipment, as well as secure extra kennel spaces to accommodate the increasing number of seized dogs.

The NPCC reported that the overtime bill for police officers addressing the XL Bully situation reached £560,000 during the same period.