American Bully XL advice and banned breeds
On 15 September 2023, the UK Government announced that by the end of 2023 the XL Bully type dog will be added to the breed types already banned in the UK, under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
From 14 November 2023 the Government has brought into force further legislation to implement the ban on XL Bully dogs and start the transition period for existing owners.
If you own an XL Bully type dog, it does not mean that you have to get rid of you dog. It simply means that there are few things that you must do, to keep your dog legally. You must do the following:
- Have a certificate of exemption. (The service to apply for certificates of exemption has been closed as of 31 January 2024)
- Get Third Party Public Liability Insurance – the Dogs Trust are offering this for £25.00 a year
- 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
- Your dog must be microchipped
- Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
- Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
You as the owner must also:
- Be over 16 years old
- 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
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
- 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 dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption.
