Big increase in number of dogs destroyed by Derbyshire police

The number of dogs destroyed by police in Derbyshire ^[1] has increased by more than 50 per cent over the past five years, new data has revealed. From 2018 to 2022, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the most common dog breed to be destroyed by Derbyshire Constabulary.

Whilst there were no records of the American XL Bullys from 2018 to 2019, since 2021, the breed has become the second most destroyed dog breed. Last year, Staffordshire Bull Terriers accounted for six of the 29 dogs destroyed by the local force, followed by American XL Bully-type dogs and cane corsos (both four).

The data came as a result of a recent FOI request carried out by LegalExpert.co.uk ^[2]. Derbyshire police ^[3] released further details that broke down why each dog was destroyed stating that last year, 97 per cent of dogs destroyed by the police were a result of Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which relates to dogs being dangerously out of control. This can be compared to the 74 per cent that were destroyed for the same reason in 2018.

POLL: Should the XL bully breed be banned?^[4]

In Derbyshire, the number of dogs ^[5] seized per year has increased by over 100 per cent between 2018 and 2022, with 61 dogs and 131 dogs being seized in each of these years, respectively. Out of the 131 dog seizures across the county in 2022, 24 of them were Staffordshire bull terriers, 13 were American XL bully-type dogs and another 10 were German shepherds.

The data comes after the UK Government ^[6] confirmed earlier this week (Tuesday, October 31) that the XL bully dog breed would indeed be banned from Sunday, December 31 later this year ^[7]. From this date, the Government says it will be illegal to breed, rehome, purchase and advertise all XL bully-type dogs and owners will be forced to keep their dogs on a lead from this day onwards. From February 1, 2024, these restrictions will tighten as owners are expected to have their dogs registered with the Index of Exempted Dogs.

Once the second legislation is passed, XL bully dogs will be – by law – required to be microchipped, muzzled and neutered. Any owners caught refusing to do so will face a criminal record, an unlimited fine and the possible seizure of their dog. A spokesperson from Derbyshire Constabulary commented: “Dogs may be seized for a number of reasons including if they are a banned breed or under the Animal Welfare Act.

“It is an offence to let a dog be dangerously out of control in public or private and officers can seize a dog under these circumstances. A dog is considered as dangerous if it is out of control, if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it may injure them.

“The law also requires dogs to be under ‘close control’ when around livestock. Courts can order the destruction of dogs which have been seized for a variety of reasons. In recent years we have seen an increase in the number of stray dogs in Derbyshire, as well as more dogs which officers have been told had been purchased during the covid pandemic and may not have been socialised in the normal manner.

See More: Alvaston XL Bully owner says he’s ‘furious’ with ban as his dog ‘just wants to give kisses’^[8]

“We understand that dogs are part of the family and that incidents where dogs are dangerously out of control or may have bitten someone can be very emotive and difficult situations. We will always work with owners in these cases however our paramount concern is the safety of the public and that is what we have to prioritise.

“While it is difficult therefore to give a specific reason for the increase in the number of dogs seized, we work alongside partner agencies such as local authorities and the RSPCA to deal with any incidents involving dogs in order to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties.”

You can find more details regarding the seizures and destruction of dogs in Derbyshire in 2018 and 2022 below:

2018 statistics:

Dogs seized: 61

Dogs destroyed: 19

Breeds seized: Staffordshire bull terrier (17), pitbull-type (11), German shepherd (5), husky/Akita-type (5), cross-breed (3), bull mastiff (3), Rottweiler (1), cane corso (2), border collie (2), dalmatian (1), sharpei (1), lurcher (1), labrador (1) Boston terrier (1), pug (1), spaniel (1)

Dogs destroyed (by breed): Staffordshire bull terrier (7), pitbull-type (3), Akita/huskey-type (3), cross-breed (1), mastiff (1), American bulldog (1), German shepherd (1), border collie (1), sharpei (1)

Reason for destruction: Dangerously out of control (14), worrying livestock (2) banned breed (2), court order (1)

2022 statistics:

Dogs seized: 131

Dogs destroyed: 29

Breeds seized: Staffordshire bull terrier (24), American/XL bully-type (13), German shepherd (10), Akita/huskey-type (9), lurcher (9), pitbull-type (6), unknown (5), cane corso (5), spaniel (5), French bulldog (5), border collie (4), Jack Russell (4), bulldog (4), Alapapha bulldog (3), rottweiler (3), labrador (3), whippet (3), Belgium Mali (3), mastiff (2), presa canario (2), doberman (2), sharpei (1), Chihuahua (1), Hungaria vizsla (1) greyhound (1), dog de Bordeux (1) great Dane (1), dachshund (1), shih tzu (1), boxer (1)

Dogs destroyed (by breed): Staffordshire bull terrier (6), American/XL bully-type (4), cane corso (4), mastiff (3), pitbull-type (2), bulldog (2), border collie (2), Hungarian vizsla (1), huskey/Akita type (1), lurcher (1), German shepherd (1), rottweiler (1), persa canerio (1)

Reason for destruction: Dog dangerously out of control (28), court order (1)

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References

^{^} Derbyshire (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^{^} LegalExpert.co.uk (legalexpert.co.uk)
^{^} Derbyshire police (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^{^} POLL: Should the XL bully breed be banned? (xd.wayin.com)
^{^} the number of dogs (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^{^} UK Government (www.gov.uk)
^{^} banned from Sunday, December 31 later this year (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^{^} XL Bully owner says he’s ‘furious’ with ban as his dog ‘just wants to give kisses’ (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^{^} the main Derbyshire Live newsletter here (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)