The law has been in force for 32 years.
A coalition is pushing for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be reviewed after recent calls to add the XL bully to the UK’s banned dogs list.
The Dog Control Coalition, consisting of the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, the British Veterinary Association, Hope Rescue, The Kennel Club and the Scottish SPCA, believe that this will not make the public safer and may hide a bigger problem.
If the calls are successful, the XL bully would join the list of dogs that it is illegal to own in the UK, which currently consists of the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Braziliero.
The Dangerous Dogs Act has now existed for 32 years, however the number of dog bite incidents has increased. In 2022/2023, NHS data showed a provisional 9,366 recorded dog bites – an increase on the 8,819 bites recorded the previous year.
The Coalition says that this indicates the current focus on identifying and banning certain breeds, rather than focusing on individual aggressive acts, has not been effective.
They warn that banning more breeds will see dogs destroyed based on how they look, rather than dealing with the causes of dangerous and aggressive dogs.
As a UK General Election approaches, the Coalition is calling for officials to focus on evidence-based solutions to prevent bite incidents from any dogs.
Dr Samantha Gaines, an RSPCA dog welfare expert, said: “Breed specific legislation has been in force now for 32 years and is still failing. We have been devastated by some recent dog bite incidents, which have been tragic events and highlight the need for urgent action and a change in approach.
“But simply adding another dog breed type to the already flawed approach of banning certain types of dog because of how they look clearly isn’t the answer.
“Any such move will just force charities to put to sleep more dogs and offer another layer to the false sense of security to the public that hasn't worked for 32 years - and won't suddenly start working now.”
The RSPCA, a member of the Coalition, is asking supporters to email their Member of Parliament and support an overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act, and a replacement of breed specific legislation.
Dr Gaines added: “We need to stop unfairly judging dogs because of how they look. With a General Election looming, it’s time politicians get serious about tackling dangerous dogs.”
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