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Posted: 27th December 2023

Government urges XL bully owners to prepare for deadline
From 31 December, XL bullies must be muzzled and on a lead when in public.
New restrictions come into force on 31 December.

The UK Government has urged owners of XL bully type dogs to take action, to ensure they comply with regulations beginning on 31 December.

The new rules will mean that any dog which matches the Government’s description of an XL bully must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.

It will also become illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, abandon or let XL bullies stray.

The Government has stated that it is an owner’s responsibility to self-identify their dog’s breed using their guidelines, which includes physical characteristics such as size and height, as well as photographic examples.

However, a dog does not have to fit all of the physical description perfectly to be classed as an XL bully. The guidance states that a dog that meets the minimum height requirements and a ‘substantial’ number of characteristics could be considered an XL bully.

Where dog owners are not sure whether their dog meets the criteria the Government recommends following the regulations as a precaution, including applying for a Certificate of Exemption.

From 1 February, it will become a criminal offence to own an XL bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption. Dogs must meet the Government’s requirements for neutering, have a microchip and owners must have the correct public liability insurance.

Applications for these certificates cost £92.40 each, and must be submitted before 31 January. Owners who decide not to keep their dog, and choose to have it euthanised, can apply for compensation.

The timeline of this legislation has been criticised by the Dog Control Coalition in an open letter to the Prime Minister. The group, which includes the British Veterinary Association and Blue Cross, suggested that the timeline would leave XL bully owners ‘confused and anxious’ about how to comply with regulations.

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer for the UK Government, has urged that owners of potential XL bullies read the guidance closely to ensure they comply.

Dr Middlemiss said: “Owners should read the guidance and ensure they are ready to comply with the new rules, which includes keeping your XL bully dog muzzled and on a lead in public from 31 December.

She added: “We recommend a precautionary approach - if you are unsure if your dog is an XL bully or whether any puppies may grow up to be of this dog type, you should comply with the relevant requirements and restrictions.”

Guidance for owners on identifying an XL bully can be found here. The application form for a Certificate of Exemption is here.

Image © Shutterstock



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