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.
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. There is a fee for the certificate.
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. You will need a confirmation of neutering form signed by your vet.
And 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
Follow the link for the DEFRA website and relevant pages. This covers what to do to apply for exemption and who should apply.
The height is the main and first characteristic of the definition.
The current take home message is that if your dog could be seen to be an XL Bully type from the definition as per the DEFRA Official definition of an XL Bully dog then register your dog on the exempted list.
At the Ardmore Veterinary Group we aim to provide the highest standard of professional veterinary care. If you find any of the information displayed incorrect please do not hesitate to call us. We are here to listen and assist in any way we can.