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Government changes that impact our pet policy
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.
To help current owners adapt to the new laws we wanted to share with you governmental guidelines, recommendations and important links. Did you know these changes will come into force in two stages?
Stage 1: 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 in public without a lead and muzzle
Stage 2: 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 Certificate of Exemption.
Things you should know if you own an XL Bully dog
If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024.
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.
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
Any owner who is unable to comply can make the choice to have their animal euthanised.
Giving up an XL Bully dog to be euthanised
If you choose not to keep your XL Bully dog, you should take it to be euthanised at a registered vet practice by 31 January 2024.
You can claim £200 compensation towards the costs. You and your vet will need to fill in a compensation form to make a claim. You must apply by 15 March 2024.
Government changes that impact our pet policy
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.
To help current owners adapt to the new laws we wanted to share with you governmental guidelines, recommendations and important links. Did you know these changes will come into force in two stages?
Stage 1: 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 in public without a lead and muzzle
Stage 2: 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 Certificate of Exemption.
Things you should know if you own an XL Bully dog
If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024.
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.
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
Any owner who is unable to comply can make the choice to have their animal euthanised.
Giving up an XL Bully dog to be euthanised
If you choose not to keep your XL Bully dog, you should take it to be euthanised at a registered vet practice by 31 January 2024.
You can claim £200 compensation towards the costs. You and your vet will need to fill in a compensation form to make a claim. You must apply by 15 March 2024.
