THE ban on XL Bully dogs has come into full effect today, causing “mass confusion” as panic sets in for thousands of dog owners. The XL Bully dogs ban is part of control measures set

The ban on ownership of XL Bully dogs, which came into effect today, is causing "mass confusion and panic" among dog owners and shelters, the head of the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has said.

A former dog legislation officer said frontline police enforcing the legislation have been 'swamped'  after the ban came into force last year

The XL Bully dog ban comes into effect tomorrow – but one animal rights advocate has said the law is unfair to both the dogs and many owners.

Figures obtained by The Independent showed dog attacks rose by nine per cent in the first five months since the ban was brought in on XL bully dogs

As the XL Bully ban marks its first year, the financial and logistical strain on police forces intensifies, with thousands of dogs seized and a staggering rise in costs, sparking a complex debate on public safety and resource allocation.

XL bully dogs were banned in the UK last year with a number of other illegal breeds also being seized in the process as police use their tools to try tackle rise in dangerous dogs

Since February, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.