Dogs seized in England and Wales under new ban

Two dog owners from Swansea are upset after their American bulldog, Ralph, was seized by police. Natasha Goodall and Jordan Williams described the experience as feeling like a "child ripped away." They were informed later that Ralph was not an XL bully, a breed banned in Wales and England since February 2024. The couple criticized the police process. They want more time for owners to prepare for pet seizures and suggested that checks should be done at home. South Wales Police explained that these measures aim to protect public safety and reduce the XL bully population. Ralph was taken when officers arrived at their home, having received reports about a potentially banned breed. Goodall expressed her shock, mentioning that several officers were present during the seizure. She believes measuring the dog at home could have prevented the distress caused. Another owner, Anthony Webb, faced a similar situation last October when his two dogs were taken but later returned. He described the process as distressing, noting the lack of communication from police during the investigation. Experts like animal trainer Martin Winfield stress that public safety takes priority in breed identification. He believes the responsibility lies not only with dog owners but also with those breeding these animals. Veterinary expert Mike Jessop noted that larger dogs can be more volatile and highlighted concerns about dog attacks. The ban on XL bullies has also affected police resources, costing an estimated £25 million to manage the situation by April. The National Police Chiefs' Council reported a significant burden due to the ban. Police confirm that seized dogs are assessed by specially trained officers at secure kennelling sites.