A recent report has highlighted a significant rise in the number of dogs ‘destroyed’ by police forces across the UK since September 2020, with the Metropolitan Police responsible for a substantial portion of these cases. The report, based on data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, reveals that of the 2,671 dogs put down in this period, the Metropolitan Police accounted for 605 – over a fifth of the total number.
The data compiled by Personal Injury Claims UK indicates a disturbing trend, with some police forces recording almost a 300% increase in dog destruction since 2021. The most common breed to be destroyed was the XL Bully, followed by the American Bulldog. The increase in these incidents has raised concerns and questions about the practices and policies regarding animal control within the police forces.
In contrast to the Metropolitan Police, the City of London Police reportedly destroyed no dogs during the same period, highlighting a stark difference in approach between the two forces. The Metropolitan Police, being the largest police force in the UK, cites this as a likely reason for the higher figure.
The reasons for dog destruction are varied, with many cases linked to Section 1 and Section 3 offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Section 1 targets dog types bred for fighting, while Section 3 deals with dogs that are dangerously out of control in public or unauthorized spaces.
The report’s findings have sparked a debate on the necessity and ethics of such measures, especially considering the significant rise in numbers. The top ten police forces with the highest numbers of dogs destroyed are as follows:
- Metropolitan Police – 605
- South Yorkshire Police – 431
- Avon and Somerset Police – 400+
- Derbyshire Constabulary – 284
- Greater Manchester Police – 218
- Northumbria Police – 200+
- West Yorkshire Police – 149
- Essex Police – 137
- Humberside Police – 101
- Hertfordshire Constabulary – 64
The figures also indicate a rising trend in dog destruction, with South Yorkshire Police showing a 292% increase since 2021, the highest among the forces. The report concludes that approximately 2.4 dogs are ‘destroyed’ daily in the UK, a number that could be higher due to incomplete data from some police forces.
This surge in the destruction of dogs, particularly of specific breeds like XL Bulldogs and American Bulldogs, has raised significant concerns among animal rights groups and the general public, calling for a review of policies and practices related to animal control and welfare within police operations.
