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Posted: 18th July 2024

XL bully owners reminded of proof of neutering deadline
The deadline applies to XL bullies that were 12 months or older on 31 January 2024.
The first proof of neutering deadline is 26 July.

The Dog Control Coalition has issued a final reminder to owners of XL bullies, as the first proof of neutering deadline approaches.

To be exempt, XL bullies which were 12 months or older on 31 January 2024 were required to be neutered before 30 June 2024. Owners must have sent proof of neutering to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) before 26 July 2024.

The form which Defra will require is a VCN01, which requires a veterinary surgeon’s signature, and so time must be allowed for the paperwork to be completed. If Defra does not receive evidence before the deadline, the dog’s exemption certificate will become invalid and the dog could be seized by the police.

Dog owners who have been unable to get their XL bully neutered should check the UK government guidance, and speak to their local police dog legislation officer.

Owners of dogs which were younger than 12 months on 31 January 2024 will have longer to meet these requirements.

XL bullies which were aged seven months to 12 months must have proof of neutering submitted by 31 December. Those which were under seven months must have proof submitted by 30 June 2025.

The Dog Control Coalition consists of several veterinary groups and animal welfare charities, including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA and Dogs Trust. The group has been working to urge the government to reduce the impact of this legislation on responsible dog owners, behaviourally sound dogs, and veterinary teams.

On behalf of the Dog Control Coalition, Sam Gaines, from the RSPCA, said: “We are urging owners of exempted dogs who were 12 months or over by 31 January and have had their dog neutered to ensure they submit proof of this neutering to Defra before the deadline of 26 July. Missing this date means the dog will no longer be exempt.

“We don’t want anyone to have to go through the heartbreak and distress of their dog being seized so if anyone is yet to sort out their paperwork then we’d urge them to speak to their vet quickly.”

Image © Shutterstock



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