Police forces across the United Kingdom have seized more than 15,000 dogs over the past two years, according to exclusive new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
The data, compiled by dog marketplace Puppies.co.uk, also reveals that 3,638 of these seized dogs were subsequently put down. This equates to an average of 636 dogs seized and 152 euthanised every month, highlighting a significant national issue.
Top 10 Police Areas for Dog Seizures
The findings pinpoint the police constabularies with the highest number of interventions. A total of 32 forces responded to the request, while eight, including Police Scotland, refused.
The Metropolitan Police, covering the nation's largest population area, recorded the highest number by far, seizing 3,733 dogs—an average of 156 per month. The top ten list is completed by:
- Greater Manchester Police: 1,765 seized (74 per month)
- South Yorkshire Police: 892 seized (37 per month)
- West Yorkshire Police: 836 seized (35 per month)
- Lancashire Constabulary: 697 seized (29 per month)
- Northumbria Police: 663 seized (28 per month)
- Thames Valley Police: 628 seized (26 per month)
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary: 521 seized (22 per month)
- Leicestershire Constabulary: 507 seized (21 per month)
- Essex Police and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary: 486 each (20 per month each)
Tragic Attacks Despite XL Bully Ban
This data emerges against a backdrop of continued fatal dog attacks, even after the expansion of the Dangerous Dogs Act to include XL Bully dogs. The breed has been illegal to own in England and Wales without an exemption certificate since the start of 2024.
Just last week, a three-month-old baby in Wales was killed by an XL Bully. It is understood the six-year-old dog had been legally registered before the ban came into effect.
Other horrific incidents this year include a three-year-old girl, Bunnie Skinley, who required surgery after being mauled by a Cockapoo near her primary school in Rainham, Essex. In a separate case, a five-year-old autistic boy named Roman was attacked by a bull breed, suffering injuries to his face that necessitated surgical intervention.
In a tragic incident from September, an inquest heard how 34-year-old Michelle Hempstead from Southend, Essex, died from traumatic blood loss after being bitten by her mastiff rottweiler cross, Trigg, during a "brief fight" with her Pomeranian over chicken nuggets.
Calls for a New Approach to Dog Legislation
In response to these ongoing tragedies and the high seizure rates, campaigners and charities are urging the government to reconsider its approach to dog control. Many argue that breed-specific legislation is not effectively addressing the root causes of aggression.
A spokesperson for Puppies.co.uk stated: "The ban seems to be doing little to curb attacks, highlighting that this isn’t a breed-specific issue. Any breed of dog has the potential to display aggressive behaviour if it is not trained, socialised and cared for properly."
There are growing calls for a shift in policy towards promoting responsible ownership, implementing tighter restrictions on dog breeders, and providing better training resources for owners to prevent aggressive behaviours from developing.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has reconvened its responsible dog ownership taskforce to explore new measures. A Defra spokesperson confirmed the taskforce would look at additional ways to "protect people and other animals" from dog attacks.
