More than 650 XL bully dogs are being kept as pets in Norfolk and Waveney, newly released data shows.

The figures give the numbers of the breed in each of the region's postcodes, with the highest - 70 dogs - in NR31, which covers Gorleston and Bradwell.

A requirement to register XL bullies was introduced earlier this year following a series of attacks by the controversial breed, which have been blamed for a string of deaths.

The data, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, shows a total of 50,000 registered XL bullies in England and Wales.

The highest number (219) are in the CR0 area of Croydon, south London, followed by the S5 postcode, just north of Sheffield (189), and an area of Warrington (182).

In Norfolk and Waveney, the areas with the second and third highest numbers were IP24 (Thetford) with 61 dogs and NR30 (Great Yarmouth and Caister-on-Sea) with 49.

READ MORE: XL Bully seized from man arrested in Norwich

In total, of 52 postcodes in the region, 31 have at least ten animals registered.

In Norwich, the highest number is in NR3 - in the north of the city - with 45 dogs, while there are 36 in NR5, which covers Costessey and Bowthorpe.

Lowestoft has a combined total of 51, with 27 in NR32 and 24 in NR33.

The law was changed to protect the public from the dogs, but attacks have continued, and the sheer numbers still on the streets will shock many.

Two XL bullies at a protest against the decision to add the dogs to the list of prohibited breeds (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)

WHAT IS THE LAW?

According to the Office for National Statistics, there have been 23 deaths caused by dog attacks since the start of 2021, with XL bullies "disproportionately involved".

Rising public and political concern about the breed led to a change in the law.

Since February 1, it has been a criminal offence to own the XL bully without an exemption certificate.

Owners of the breed must have the dog neutered, microchipped and be kept on a lead and muzzled in public, among other restrictions.

Police can seize unregistered prohibited dogs, and their owners face a criminal record and unlimited fine.

Despite the restrictions, attacks have continued, locally and nationally.

Last week, a woman in her 50s was left with serious injuries after being set on by an XL bully in Terrington St John.

The new data, which was originally obtained by the Spectator magazine, shows there are 15 registered bullies in the postcode covering the village, PE34.

 

HORROR IN HOLT

Miss Watts is an animal lover and has cared for several XL bully dogs in the past (Image: Charlie Watts) In the most high-profile local attack, model Charlie Watts was mauled by a dog she had rescued months earlier.

She was at home in Holt when she tried to break up a fight between her two XLs, Titan and Juju.

Juju turned on her and her 35-minute ordeal only ended when she screamed for help from an upstairs window and a neighbour was able to put up a ladder to allow her to escape.

Juju, the dog that attacked Miss Watts (Image: Charlie Watts)

She was left with more than 200 puncture wounds and needed 80 stitches, with hospital treatment continuing for months.

She later recounted her experience, in an interview with this newspaper.

"[Juju]  was just fixated on hurting me - you could see it in his eyes," she said.

"I was trapped on the floor and at one point Juju got hold of my left breast and was playing tug of war with it.

(Image: Charlie Watts) "When he was on top of me I could literally feel my [dental] veneers clashing against his teeth and the only thing stopping him from getting my face was my arm in his mouth.

"I've now got tissue, nerve and muscle damage in my arm and I still have no use of it."

 

WHAT ARE XL BULLIES?

The breed is an offshoot of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

They can weigh more than nine stone (or 57 kg), with males at least 20 inches tall at the shoulders.

They are not recognised as a specific breed but are defined by the government as ‘heavily-muscled’, with a blocky head, and a physique ‘suggesting great strength and power for its size’.

Experts say their powerful jaws are able to inflict more damaging wounds than those of other breeds, resulting in broken bones, shredded skin and damaged nerves.

Many of their victims have been their owners, but members of the public have also been caught up in their horrific attacks.