OUR READERS have been getting in touch this week to share their thoughts (and pictures) as the number of XL Bullies registered in Flintshire and Wrexham is revealed.

As of February of this year, owning the XL Bully breed of dog became a criminal offence in England and Wales (unless owners have an exemption certificate).

Anyone who owns one of the dogs needs to have had the animal neutered and microchipped.

They must also be kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.

The ban was decided by the government after a spate of dog attacks occurred, involving the breed.

But, despite their 'bad reputation', many owners still see the good in the banned breed and many still keep them as pets.

Earlier this week, the Leader reported that figures from The Spectator have revealed the approved applications for certificates of exemption to keep an XL Bully dog by postcode district in England and Wales.

They showed that 58 applications had been approved in Wrexham and 47 had been approved in Flintshire, respectively.

Following on from that, readers have been getting in touch with us to share their views - as well as their pictures of their beloved XL Bullies.

Ann Mary said: "It's up to the owner to be responsible for their dog."

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Kev Newnes sent in the below photo and said: "My ex has one that was rehomed before the new law, from a family that didn’t have a clue how to train him and as far as we can tell never let him play or anything.

"He’s now about two years old and only now learning how to be a puppy, which is a pain when he’s 40+kg. Due to needing to be registered he’s off to have some sensitive bits removed this week, he's soft as a brush!"

(Image: Kev Newnes.) Emma Nethercott said: "It’s not the breed it’s the owner.

"Instead of all these rules why not make them take a class to learn about the breed and obedience classes? Instead of putting a muzzle on a innocent animal."

Laura Mitchell added: "They're lovely dogs. I know some who are soft as anything."

(Image: Simon Gates) Simon Gates sent in the picture above to us and said: "Wouldn't be without my big soft cuddly boy."

Others were in agreement when it came to banning the breed.

Martin Gribbin said: "They should be banned completely."

Marce Place added: "The biggest problem is people having too much confidence in their pet no matter what the breed! 'My Brutus would never hurt a fly' is just asking for trouble.

"Animals are unpredictable. Body language tells you a lot but you just never know how the animal is interpreting the situation. My aunt has a springer who is a lovely dog, never had an incident but sometimes when my kids are round and they go near his toys, the dog looks uncomfortable.

"Its just not worth the risk! If you think nothing will ever happen then you are the problem. If you respect that animals are sometimes unpredictable and treat them with a bit of caution then you truly love and respect your pet!"