DATA obtained by the Hereford Times has revealed that at least six banned dogs are living in homes across Herefordshire.

This number excludes XL bully dogs, which are yet to be officially banned.

The Hereford Times obtained this information from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through a Freedom of Information request. Most of these dogs are pit bull terriers, with five of this breed registered on the index of exempted dogs in Herefordshire. Less than five other banned dogs are on the index in the county.

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Currently, four breeds are on the Dangerous Dogs Act banned list: the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro. XL bully dogs will soon be added to the Dangerous Dogs Act too.

Owners can keep these breeds only if they are placed on the index of exempted dogs, which is granted if the court believes the dog is not a danger to the public. 

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Defra told the Hereford Times: "There are five pit bull terriers on the index of exempted dogs in Herefordshire. There are less than five other breeds in Herefordshire.

"Less than five dogs in Herefordshire were added to the index of exempted dogs in each of the last three years."

The agency said it was unable to specify where in Herefordshire these dogs live, as this may identify the owners and breach data protection.