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Behind high fences monitored by CCTV cameras, the constant barking of dogs can be heard. This is the environment where many dangerous or banned dogs are taken after being seized. Since the introduction of XL bully bans across the UK in 2024, private specialist kennels like this one have become regular holding places for these animals, especially when police facilities lack the capacity to accommodate them.
Panorama was granted rare access to one such kennel, operated by a man referred to as Mark, who for security reasons requested that neither the location nor staff be identified. Some of the dogs housed here were seized from organized crime members who might attempt to reclaim them or cause harm to the staff. This site is one of seven kennels run by the same company and together they shelter over 500 XL bullies. During the visit, every kennel was full, and many were shielded with screens because some dogs are so volatile that human presence could provoke aggression.
Mark and his team respond to calls to seize dogs following attacks, sometimes encountering victims still with the animal involved. He expresses the emotional toll of such incidents, particularly when children are affected, saying, “It’s bad with an adult. It’s even harder with a kid for me,” and sharing his dread of holidays due to an increase in bite incidents during these times. Official police statistics indicate a rising trend in dog attacks in the UK since 2018, with research showing that in the year after the ban, XL bully attacks resulted in at least six fatalities. Authorities warn that attacks may worsen as dogs purchased prior to the ban reach maturity.
The family of Morgan Dorsett, who was fatally attacked by an XL bully at 19 years old after the ban took effect, spoke with Panorama. They advocate for stricter legislation focusing more on dog owners, proposing measures similar to the licensing and checks required for firearm ownership. Morgan’s mother, Marie Smith, criticized current laws, stating, “The legislation doesn’t work. My daughter wouldn’t be dead now if it did work.” In the two days following the Panorama visit, Mark’s team was called to respond to 39 dog attacks across the UK, with 17 involving XL bullies and leaving nine people seriously injured
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