Rare access reveals how UK kennels manage over 500 dangerous XL bullies seized after bans, highlighting safety challenges and the threat of crime ties.
A Day in the Life of a Kennel Keeper
Behind the imposing fences and vigilant CCTV cameras, a cacophony of barks fills the air—a chorus that speaks of the troubled souls housed within. These are the seized or abandoned dogs, many with a violent past, now residing in private specialist kennels across the UK. Since the XL bully bans of 2024, such facilities have become a critical refuge for these animals, unable to be housed by the police. The location and identities of the staff remain undisclosed for their safety, as some dogs belong to organized crime members who might attempt to reclaim them.
Mark, the man entrusted with running one such kennel, reveals the grim reality of his work. This facility, one of seven under the same company, shelters over 500 XL bullies. Each kennel is filled to capacity, with many dogs shielded by screens to prevent them from being provoked by visitors. The atmosphere is tense, as Mark and his team often respond to calls involving dogs still at the scene of their attacks. With a heavy heart, Mark confesses his dread of school holidays and festive seasons, times when dog bites surge, leaving a trail of devastation.
The Rising Tide of Dog Attacks
Official statistics paint a grim picture: dog attacks in the UK have been on the rise since 2018, with the past year alone witnessing six fatalities involving XL bullies. The police, grappling with this escalating threat, predict an increase in attacks as more dogs reach maturity. The tragic death of 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett, killed by an XL bully, underscores the urgent need for legislative reform. Her family advocates for stricter laws targeting not just the dogs but their owners, akin to the checks required for firearm licenses.
Mark’s team, responding to 39 attacks over just two days, faces the harsh reality of their work. Seventeen of these incidents involved XL bullies, resulting in life-altering injuries for nine individuals. The kennels, a stark reminder of society’s growing problem, hold 120 dangerous dogs, each graded by aggression levels. The once-dominant green grade, indicating less aggression, is now a rarity. Instead, the kennels are filled with dogs marked by black signs, denoting their potential for fatal attacks.
The Burden of Legislation and the Future
Under the 2024 legislation, XL bully owners in England and Wales must register their dogs and comply with stringent restrictions, including muzzling and neutering, or face the grim alternative of euthanasia. This has led to a dramatic rise in the number of dangerous dogs housed in kennels, with costs soaring from £4 million in 2018 to £25 million post-ban. Police resources are stretched thin, forcing difficult decisions on where to focus efforts amidst rising callouts.
Mark reveals that 85% of dogs involved in criminal allegations end up returning to their owners, a prospect that terrifies him. The increase in abandoned dogs, from 21 to 129 in the months following the ban, reflects the growing crisis. These animals, if unclaimed, face euthanasia after a week, a fate Mark finds hard to reconcile with his love for animals. The specter of having to justify rehoming a dangerous dog haunts him, a reminder of the stakes involved in this line of work.
A Call for Change
Morgan Dorsett’s family, still reeling from their loss, calls for a shift in focus from the dogs to their owners. Marie, Morgan’s mother, questions the lack of background checks for dog owners, drawing parallels to the stringent requirements for gun ownership. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs acknowledges the need to balance public safety with the concerns of those opposing the ban. They continue to assess the effectiveness of current dog control measures, engaging with key stakeholders to monitor the ban’s impact.
As the XL bully population matures, the police warn of continued attacks, a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. This narrative, though steeped in tragedy, is a call to action—a plea for a society that prioritizes safety while addressing the root causes of these violent encounters. The path forward remains fraught with complexity, but it is one that must be navigated with care and decisive action.
