Image caption,

Beast, the XL bully that killed 10-year-old Jack Lis in Caerphilly in 2021

By Paul Heaney & Jordan Davies

BBC News

The ban on XL bullies could lead to more dog attacks, a senior vet has told the BBC.

Dave Martin, a welfare advisor to 900 practices in the UK, said attacks in the home could increase if the ban leads to more XLs being kept indoors without stimulation and exercise.

Two dog charities also said they feared irresponsible breeders would move to other large dogs to get around the ban.

The UK government said its ban would protect the public.

The ban on the dogs in England and Wales will come into force on 31 December.

Owners who wish to keep their dogs must apply to the exemption scheme or they can choose to have their dog euthanised and apply for compensation.

The daughter of Shirley Patrick, 83, who died 17 days after being mauled by an XL bully cross, said the ban should go further and include other breeds.

Mr Martin, a vet of 26 years, said he understood why the UK government had taken action, but was concerned about unintended consequences of the ban, which requires XLs to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.