It is now illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is
registered and complies with strict rules including being
neutered and muzzled in public
Owners breaching the law face a criminal record and
unlimited fine
Ban follows concerning rise in dog attacks and fatalities
caused by this dangerous breed
The ban on XL Bully dogs is now
in force making it illegal to own an unregistered XL Bully dog
from today (1 February).
This delivers on the
Government’s pledge to take quick and decisive action to protect
the public from devastating dog attacks by adding the breed type
to the list of dangerous dogs.
The decision was made following
a concerning rise in fatal dog attacks involving the XL Bully
breed type. Up until 2021 there were around 3 fatalities per
year. There have been 23 since the start of 2021 – with the XL
Bully being involved in many of these tragic attacks.
From today, anyone found in
possession of these dangerous dogs and is not meeting the strict
rules will have their dog seized and faces prosecution and a
criminal record.
Environment Secretary
said:
“The ban on XL Bullies is now
in place meaning it is illegal to own one of these dogs unless it
has been registered.
“We have delivered our pledge
to bring in this important measure to protect public safety, and
we expect all XL Bully owners to comply with the strict
conditions.”
In order to safely manage the
existing population of these dogs, owners of XL Bully dogs must
register their dogs and make sure they comply with strict rules.
This includes having them microchipped, kept on a lead and
muzzled when in public and, to ensure these dogs cannot continue
breeding, they must also be neutered. For most dogs, this will be
by 30 June, and for dogs under one year old, this should be by
the end of 2024.
The Government will continue
supporting the police to make sure the ban is effectively
enforced, and ministers met with police chiefs this week to
discuss their preparations to implement the ban.
The ban applies to England and
Wales. The Scottish Government has also announced they will be
bringing forward an XL Bully Ban
Notes to
editors:
- Latest figures show over 35,000 dogs have now been registered
with full details of ownership provided enabling authorities to
keep the public safe.
-
There have been over 150 claims
for compensation.
- Neutering guidelines:
- If your dog less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it
must be neutered and evidence received by 31 December 2024
- If your dog is 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
