Following a 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 two stages.
From 31 December 2023 it is against the law to:
- sell an XL Bully dog
- abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
- 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 dog in England and Wales unless the dog has a Certificate of Exemption.
Keeping an XL Bully dog
If a customer wants to keep an XL Bully dog after the ban, they must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024.
To get a Certificate of Exemption you must:
- Get third party public liability insurance cover for the dog.
- Neuter the dog permanently if it is not already neutered. A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered.
- Pay a fee of £92.40 for each dog. The fee is not refundable.
- Apply for a certificate of exemption to keep an XL bully dog. More here.
To keep an XL Bully dog it must be:
- microchipped
- kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
- kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
- neutered
The owner must:
- be over 16 years old
- take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people
- be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within five days
Breeding XL Bully dogs
From 31 December 2023, it is a criminal offence to breed XL Bully dogs. This includes:
- breeding from an XL Bully dog
- allowing for an XL Bully dog to be bred from any combination of other dogs
Rescue and rehoming centres
From 31 December 2023, it is illegal to rehome, sell or transfer ownership of XL Bully dogs. From this date, rescue and rehoming centres should not rehome XL Bully dogs.