Yahoo News New XL Bully dog rules come into force - what owners must do
A new rule as come into force as part of the XL Bully ban in England and Wales.
Since February 1, 2024, owning the XL Bully breed became a criminal offence in England and Wales if owners don’t have an exemption certificate.
Anyone who owns one of the dogs needs to have had the animal microchipped. They must also be kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.
The rules also state that the dog must be neutered, however certain exemptions were in place when the law came into effect in February.
At that time, any dogs that were 12 months or older on January 31 were given until the end of June to be neutered.
If evidence is not provided that the dog has now been neutered, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to keep an XL Bully and it could be seized by police.
A confirmation of neutering form must be sent to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), by July 26 or the dog will no longer be exempt.
Even if you had your XL Bully neutered prior to the law being introduced, you must still submit the confirmation form to DEFRA.
If your dog was less than 12 months old on January 31, then you still have until December 31 to have them neutered.
Why were XL Bullies banned in the UK?
The ban was decided by the government after a spate of dog attacks occurred, involving the breed.
In some cases, the victims of the attacks died as a result.
The ban was enforced in an attempt to prevent further attacks involving XL Bullies.
Recommended reading:
All the dogs banned in the UK from XL Bully to Pit Bull Terrier and the penalty
What happened last time dogs were banned in the UK in 1991? Rukhsana Khan's case
What other dogs are banned in the UK?
The following dogs are banned in the UK, according to the government website:
Pit Bull Terrier
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
It is also against the law to:
Sell a banned dog
Abandon a banned dog
Give away a banned dog
Breed from a banned dog
The government website added: "Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.
"For example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type."
