XL Bully owners are today being urged to make sure they are ready
to comply with new restrictions that come into force on 31
December.
The message from the UK Chief Vet Christine Middlemiss comes with
less than two weeks for the deadline for keeping XL Bully dogs on
a lead and muzzled when in public. It will also become illegal to
breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon, or let XL Bully
dogs stray from this date.
There is also just over 6 weeks left to apply for an exemption
certificate before the ban of the breed comes into force on the
1st February. Over 4000 applications have been
now received with the majority of certificates issued in less
than a week.
Owners will need to provide proof that their dog has been
microchipped and it will need to be neutered by
30th June for older dogs, and the end of 2024 if
the dog is under one year old.
If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL
Bully, they should check their dog carefully against our guidance
and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them
decide.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss
said:
“New legal restrictions for XL Bullies are now less
than a fortnight away. Owners should read the guidance
and ensure they are ready to comply with the new rules,
which includes keeping your XL Bully dog muzzled and on a
lead in public from 31 December.
“From 1 February 2024, it will also be a criminal
offence to be in possession of an XL Bully in England and Wales
unless you have applied for an exemption. Please
do not risk leaving it to the last
minute if you want to keep your dog, you should apply
now for a Certificate of Exemption.
“We recommend a precautionary approach - if you are unsure if
your dog is an XL Bully or whether any puppies may grow up to be
of this dog type, you should comply with the relevant
requirements and restrictions.”
After the transition period ends, owners without a Certificate of
Exemption could receive a criminal record and an unlimited fine
if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully
type. These measures are being introduced to safeguard the
public following an increase in dog attacks in recent years. Up
until 2021 there were around 3 fatalities per year. There have
been 23 since the start of 2021 – with the XL Bully being
disproportionately involved in this rise.
To receive an exemption, owners must hold active public liability
insurance for their dog, have had their dog microchipped, and pay
the application fee. Owners will also be required to provide
proof that their dog has been neutered. For most dogs, this
will be by 30th June, and for dogs under one year
old, this should be by the end of 2024.
During the transition period, owners who no longer wish to keep
their dogs and who arrange for a vet to euthanise them may apply
for compensation towards this. Owners and their vets will need to
complete a form to make a claim.
Owners can access the most up to date information on what action
they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on
XL Bully dogs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Leading animal welfare organisations including Blue
Cross, Dogs
Trust, PDSA and Battersea Dogs and Cats
Home have developed a range of helpful resources and
free online learning opportunities to support owners to muzzle
train their dogs.
Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already
breaking the law, and the enforcement authorities have a full
range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous
Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be
disqualified from ownership and their dangerous dogs can be
euthanised.
Notes to readers:
- For any interview bids for CVO Christine Middlemiss please
get in touch with Defra press office.
- If the dog is:
- less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be
neutered and evidence received by 31 December 2024
- more than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be
neutered and evidence received by 30 June 2024
- If your dog is already neutered, a vet must confirm this
by:
- 31 December 2024 for dogs less than one year old on 31
January 2024
- 30 June 2024 for dogs more than one year old on 31 January
2024
