The number of dogs "destroyed" by Norfolk Police has risen by more than a third, new data reveals.
A recent study carried out by Legal Expert looked at dogs put down by the force this year in comparison to 2020, showing a large bump in the past three years.
Crossbreeds were destroyed more than any other type of dog between January 2020 to September 2023 - tallying 39pc of all dog destructions - with German Shepherds and American Bulldogs making up 13pc.
A Freedom of Information request revealed Dogue De Bordeaux cross German Shepherd dogs - a breed not previously destroyed by the force in the last four years - are the most commonly destroyed dogs so far in 2023.
READ MORE: XL Bully attack in Brisley forces school evacuation
The request also showed that in the "majority of cases" where a dog was destroyed by Norfolk Constabulary in the last year, it was as a result of the dogs being disclaimed.
Additionally, Norfolk Constabulary was found to have destroyed 15pc more dogs than Suffolk Constabulary in the same period.
The news comes shortly after an XL Bully named Denvor was destroyed in Brisley, near Dereham, for attacking its owner and rampaging onto a primary school grounds.
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