THE NUMBER of XL Bully dogs seized by North Wales Police since the new law to ban them came into effect has been revealed. 

In February of this year, it became illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a certificate of exemption.

And in July, it became illegal to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog. Owners must also ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in public places.

North Wales Police (NWP) has published data in response to a Freedom of Information request about XL Bullies. 

The force said 20 dogs believed to be an XL Bully breed have been seized since February 1, 2024. 

NWP was also asked for the number of arrests for keeping an unregistered XL Bully, breeding these dogs, or other related offences (such as selling them or allowing them to be in a public place without a muzzle/lead.

The force replied saying 0 arrests have been made, as owners of prohibited breeds generally reported for summons by a court, rather than arrested. 

NWP was also asked for the number of reports of XL Bullies believed to be in contravention of the Dangerous Dogs Act since February 1. 

The force said it received 17 reports of a fighting dog in a public place without a muzzle, one report of fighting dogs being bred, 25 reports of a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control (without causing injury) and 51 reports of dogs causing injury.