Thousands of XL bullies still unregistered as ban in England and Wales begins

Police urge public to report dogs in breach of rules with owners facing criminal record and fine

Up to 15,000 unregistered XL bully dogs are believed to be owned illegally as a full ban comes into force in England and Wales, with police urging the public to report dogs they believe are in breach of the rules.

Owners had until midday on Wednesday to register their XL bully for a certificate of exemption before the full ban came into force in England and Wales on 1 February, from which point police can seize unregistered dogs and owners face a criminal record and unlimited fine.