XL Bully Breed - Update On The Current Situation
Following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
To help current owners adapt to the new laws, these changes will come into force in 2 stages.
From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:
- sell an XL Bully dog
- abandon an XL Bully dog
- give away an XL Bully dog
- breed from an XL Bully dog
- have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
You will need to adhere to strict rules such as microchipping your dog and keeping it on a lead and muzzled when in public.
You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one-year-old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one-year-old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.
Alternatively, if you are an owner of an XL Bully, you may decide not to keep it, in which case you should take your dog to a registered vet to be humanely euthanised. There will be a government compensation scheme towards the cost of euthanasia if you choose this option.
To check if your dog is classed as an XL Bully, see the following link
Official definition of an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK
For further information on steps to take to comply with the legislation please follow the link to government page below
