Dogs

Do you own an XL Bully?

Following a concerning 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. From 31 December 2023, it will be 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, and have an XL Bully dog in public without a lead and muzzle.

From 1 February 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption.

To keep your XL Bully, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

Keeping your XL Bully

If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you 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 your dog.

Neuter your dog permanently if it is not already neutered. Read Neutering an XL Bully for when you must have your dog neutered. A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered.

Pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep. The fee is not refundable.

Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog.

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

As the owner, you must also:

• 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 5 days.