Charity inundated with big dogs after XL bully ban

A dog rescue charity says it is under "unrelenting pressure" to help rescue large dog breeds following a ban on XL bully breeds.

Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary at Elfordleigh, Plymouth, said there had been a "sharp rise" in calls to help unwanted Cane Corso dogs and other big breeds, with 15 Cane Corso-type dogs on its waiting list.

Woodside senior manager Helen LeCointe said breeds like the Cane Corso were "becoming increasingly popular because they look the part, they've taken over from XL Bullies in popularity." XL bully bans were introduced across the UK in 2024.

The charity is urging pet owners to spay or neuter their dogs, adding it was "the most effective way to help" reduce demand.

The charity said the Cane Corso breed could weigh up to 8st (51kg) and in "inexperienced hands their size, strength and energy are a cause for concern".

"While in the right home these sociable, loving and active dogs can make loyal companions," the charity said.

LeCointe said: "It's extremely difficult to take these dogs because of their size and strength.

"We feel the best way to help is to encourage people to get their dogs neutered. Prevention is better than cure."

The charity said from 1 April, for a limited time, it would be reducing the cost of spaying and neutering for Cane Corsos and other specific breeds owned by people who were eligible.

Woodside said it had been caring for a two-year-old Cane Corso called Jago, whose ears and tail had been cropped before he arrived at the sanctuary in 2025.

It said Jago "might look intimidating", but he was a "sensitive soul who is frightened by loud noises".

The charity said breeds of this size were "hard to house" and walk due to their strength.

"Many have had a lack of training when they reach us," it added.

"There's a shortage of homes for a dog of this size and they need knowledgeable owners. They tend to stay here for a long time because it isn't easy to find them the right home."

The government banned the XL bully breed in 2024, with owners only allowed to keep their dogs if they followed strict regulations, including neutering them and registering them.

Sue Smith, site manager for K9 Crusaders, a dog welfare charity based at Bissoe in Cornwall, said she did not believe banning a specific breed would ever work.

"When you ban one specific breed, people who have perhaps got that breed for the wrong reasons maybe, they simply go out and look for another breed," she said.

Smith believes mandatory training should be in place for people who want a dog.

"It makes, I think, for a dog that is going to be accepted more in society because it's well behaved," she said.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.