RUNCORN and Widnes are in the UK’s top 10 in terms of having the most XL bully dogs.

This is according to a study by The Spectator, using data sourced from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Restrictions were imposed on the breed earlier this year, making it a legal requirement for all to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.

It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL bully dogs stray.

The decision to ban XL bully dogs was made by the Government following a concerning rise in attacks involving the breed, which led to some people losing their life.

Owners had to apply to register their current XL bully dogs before February 1.

Owning an unregistered dog after this date is now a criminal offence, with owners who do not facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine.

According to the study, WA7, which encompasses Runcorn and surrounding areas, is ranked third across the UK, with 182 successful applications permitting the possession of an XL bully.

This is closely followed by WA8, which covers Widnes and Bold Heath, with that area ranked fifth across the country with 174 certificates granted.

Ranked number 10 in the UK with 156 successful XL bully applications is WA9, covering parts of south and central St Helens.

Here is the number of XL bully applications approved by WA postcode, with the UK rank in brackets:

  • WA7 – 182 (3)
  • WA8 – 174 (5)
  • WA9 – 156 (10)
  • WA10 – 81 (=97)
  • WA11 – 78 (=106)
  • WA2 – 66 (163)
  • WA3 – 60 (204)
  • WA5 – 58 (217)
  • WA12 – 55 (256)
  • WA4 – 48 (33)
  • WA1 – 27 (777)
  • WA15 – 16 (1,172)
  • WA14 – 13 (1,322)
  • WA16 – 12 (1,363)
  • WA6 – 10 (1,478)
  • WA13 – 0-9 (-)

No rank is given for WA14, with data for areas with fewer than 10 approved applications presented as 0-9.