New rules will come into force at on the 31st of December 2023 which will make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow to stray XL Bully type dogs in England and Wales.
Anyone wishing to keep this type of dog will need to ensure that they are microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public, kept in a secure place so they cannot escape and are neutered.
Owners, who must be over the age of sixteen, will also have to take out third party public liability insurance against their dog injuring other people and apply for a Certificate of Exemption which they will be required to produce when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden. From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has one of these Certificate of Exemption.
The Public Protection Partnership recognises that this may be a stressful time for owners of dogs with the characteristics of an XL Bully. You can access more information about the help available to owners and keepers on the PPP’s website.
More information can be found here on the PPP website or Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
