Cruelty to dogs in Wales has risen by 19% according to the latest RSPCA figures for 2024 and 2025, and by 55% over the past five years.   The figures show Staffordshire bull terriers and bulldog type dogs make up almost a quarter (23%) of deliberate cruelty cases. Vanessa Waddon from Hope Rescue has seen a 30% increase of breeds such as Staffordshire bull terriers being brought to her shelter.   Some experts believe the XL bully ban and "alpha-style dog training" is encouraging mistreatment of related types. The ban was brought in after the UK government said the breed had been "disproportionately involved" in deaths recorded since 2021.   #BBCNews #Dogs #StaffordshireBullTerrier #XLBully #Wales