Recent statistics have revealed that Banbury’s OX16 postcode is the leading location in Oxfordshire for approved applications of the XL Bully breed, a variant of the American Bully. With an impressive 140 animals per 100,000 residents, Banbury also holds the highest concentration of this breed in the region.
The XL Bully is described in government documents as a “large dog with a muscular body and blocky head,” showcasing a combination of strength and power that makes it stand out.
Legal Requirements and Potential Offences
As of February 1 in England and Wales, possessing an XL Bully without an exemption is considered a criminal offence. Owners who fail to comply can face legal penalties, including an unlimited fine.
For exemption certificates, owners were required to prove their XL Bully had been neutered by June 30, 2024. Dogs younger than one year old by January 31, 2024, were given a deadline until the end of the year for neutering.
XL Bully Population in Oxfordshire
Following Banbury, East Oxford’s OX4 postcode, covering areas like Cowley, Blackbird Leys, Littlemore, Sandford-on-Thames, Iffley, and Rose Hill, recorded 56 XL Bullies. The Didcot postcode, OX11, followed with 50 dogs in the community.
Other parts of Oxfordshire with significant XL Bully populations include:
- Bicester (OX26): 35 dogs
- Abingdon (OX14): 24 dogs
- Wantage and Grove (OX12): 22 dogs
- Kidlington and Yarnton (OX5): 19 dogs
- And smaller populations in areas like OX10 (18), OX28 (17), OX29 (16), OX13 (15), and OX15 (15).
In comparison, the CR0 postcode in Croydon has the highest XL Bully population in England, with 219 dogs, followed by areas such as S5 in North Sheffield (189 dogs) and Warrington (182 dogs).
Protective Measures and Community Safety
The breed faced increased restrictions after a series of fatalities attributed to XL Bullies. Chancellor Rishi Sunak referred to the dogs as a “danger to communities, particularly our children.” According to Bully Watch UK, there were 15 fatalities in the UK involving XL Bullies and their crosses between November 2021 and February 2024.
To enhance safety, measures were introduced, such as muzzling the dogs in public, and prohibitions on breeding, selling, or abandoning the breed. Owners seeking exemptions must hold active liability insurance, have their pets microchipped, and adhere to stringent regulations. Consequences for dangerously out-of-control dogs include up to 14 years in prison, bans on owning animals, and in severe cases, euthanising the pets involved.
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