Owners urged to take action as XL bully dog deadline approaches

The UK is bracing for significant changes in the legal requirements for owning XL Bully type dogs.

With the deadline looming, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, is urging all XL Bully dog owners to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with the upcoming laws.

From 31 December, all XL Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public spaces.

This move comes as part of a broader initiative to increase public safety following a notable rise in dog attacks in recent years.

The new restrictions don’t just stop at public appearances. From the same date, it will also become illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon, or allow XL Bully dogs to stray.

This comprehensive approach is aimed at gradually phasing out the presence of this dog breed in public spaces and homes.

The deadline for obtaining an exemption certificate is 1st February 2024.

So far, over 4,000 applications have been received, with most certificates issued within a week.

To qualify for an exemption, owners must demonstrate that their dog has been microchipped and neutered.

The neutering deadlines are set for 30th June for older dogs and the end of 2024 for dogs under one year old.

Christine Middlemiss highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating:

“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.

The UK Government said: “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.