Ban on XL Bully dogs
The government has banned the breed of dog known as the XL Bully under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1990, from 1 January 2024.
What this means
It is now illegal to own a breed of dog type known as the XL Bully, unless you have an exemption certificate that would have been issued to you before 28 February 2024. At that time your dog would have been given an exemption certificate number which would have been entered on the Dangerous Dogs Index, that is kept by DEFRA.
The exemption certificate means that you may legally own that particular dog provide that you follow all of the restrictions at section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which includes keeping your dog muzzled with a securely fitted muzzle and keeping it on a lead at all times when in a public place, which includes any place to which the public has access.
It does not mean that you are exempt from keeping your dog muzzled and, on a lead.
The XL Bully
The type of dog known as the XL Bully is not a recognised breed - it is a cross breed containing a number of different breed types.
The government definition of the dog is quite broad and may include breed types whose owners have not realised includes their dog.
We do not have the authority or responsibility to determine individual dogs breed type and whether it matches the definition.
The government expect individual dog owners to be aware of the definition and to make appropriate decisions on their dogs based on whether they believe that their dog meets the definition or not.
Government definition
The government has published its definition of an XL Bully dog.
If you currently have a non-exempted XL Bully
If you missed the deadline for some reason, or you now believe that your dog meets the definition of an XL Bully you must self-report to police that you own a banned breed.
The police may seize your dog (but not in all cases) and make all of the necessary checks to ensure the safety of the public before making an application to the court for an exemption certificate.
Only the Courts now can issue an exemption certificate and place your dog on the Dangerous Dog Index. You will have to pay for the certificate and for neutering if appropriate.
If you chose not to do this, you will run the risk of having your dog seized and put to sleep and being prosected for a criminal offence
Dog abandonment
If you decide not to keep your dog, under no circumstances should you abandon it.
Your dog would become confused, frightened, and anxious if abandoned and may pose a serious risk to the safety of the public.
Abandoning a dog is a criminal offence with significant penalties which can include imprisonment.
Advice and guidance
Many animal charities have provided guidance for owners:
Some dog charities and welfare organisations can help owners of XL Bully dogs by taking in their unwanted pets, although they are prevented by law from rehoming XL Bully dogs and they will likely be put to sleep if the meet the definition of an XL Bully.
However, there is often a waiting list so if this is something you are considering you should act quickly and contact one or more of the charities listed above, or other dog rescue centres.