The government have now added XL Bully dogs to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
An XL Bully dog is identified by its looks and cannot be identified or excluded by DNA testing.
The Government’s definition of an XL Bully dog can be found here:
If you are unsure whether your dog fits into this definition, please contact us for guidance.
Requirements will come into force in 4 stages:
From 31st December 2023:
- XL Bully dogs MUST be muzzled and on lead in public.
- It will be against the law to sell, advertise, exchange, abandon, give away, rehome or breed from an XL Bully dog.
If your dog isn’t muzzle trained, it’s a good idea to start now. Advice on how to do this safely can be found: http://cross.org.uk/…/behaviou…/dogs-and-muzzle-training
From 1st February 2024:
- Owners of an XL Bully dog MUST have a Certificate of Exemption as it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without one.
To get a Certificate of Exemption you MUST:
- – Be over 16 Years of age
- – Have 3rd party public’s liability insurance
- – Have your dog permanently neutered
- – Pay the £92.40 registration fee per dog
- – Have your dog microchipped and check the details are correct
- – Keep your dog muzzled and on a lead whenever out in public
- – Keep your dog in a secure place it cannot escape from
If you do not already have 3rd Party Public Liability Insurance then you may like to know that The Dogs Trust have membership for £25 per year which includes this benefit.
From 30th June 2024:
- Neutering will be compulsory for all XL Bully dogs that are over the age of 1 year on 31st January 2024.
From 31st December 2024:
- Neutering will be compulsory for all XL Bully dogs under 1 year on 31st January 2024.
Owners who wish to have their dog euthanised can apply for compensation. Please see the link below for details of the compensation scheme and forms.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claim-compensation-for-an-xl-bully-dog
We are disappointed and saddened by the Government’s decision. However please be aware that we are unable to offer any financial support towards the costs of neutering or licensing of these dogs.
We understand how difficult this is for our clients who own XL Bully dogs (or those that fit the Government’s definition) and we ask that you contact us should you have any questions or are in need of any further advice or support. If you wish to book your dog in for an appointment with us please contact us.
