XL Bully – Information on the New Law

November 3, 2023

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As a result of the recent news about owning an XL Bully type dog, we are beginning to get enquiries from our dog owners.  To help with understanding of this new law we have provided some bullet point information below.

To read the full guidance, click HERE

The key points are:

1. From 31st December 2023 it will be against the law to sell, abandon, giveaway or breed from an XL Bully.

2. Owners of an XL Bully will be required to register them for a “Certificate of Exemption” and have them microchipped, neutered and only walk them in public places if they are on a lead and are muzzled.

3. The exemption certificate needs to be done by 31st January 2024 and costs £92.40 although details on how to apply for the form have not been released yet.

4. The exemption certificate will need to be signed by your vet to confirm your dog has been neutered.

5. Dogs who are less than a year old on 31st January 2024 will be required to be neutered by 31st December 2024.

6. Dogs who are over a year old on 31st January 2024 will be required to be neutered by 30th June 2024.

7. Owners are required to take out Third Party Insurance against their dog attacking other people. There is a link below to source this insurance.

8. If a stray XL Bully is brought to a veterinary clinic, they are required to contact the local dog warden who will then have responsibility for them.

9. If owners choose to euthanize their XL Bully rather than comply with the regulations, there is a fund of £200 per dog to cover the costs. Both an owner and their vet will need to complete an application for this. Exact details of how this is done haven’t been released yet.

10. The definition of how to identify an XL Bully is vague as they are considered a “type” and not a “breed”. They will not have to fulfill all the criteria to be defined as an XL but current advice is, if in doubt, to assume a dog is an XL Bully and to adhere to the regulations.

Updates on the regulations will be shared once further decisions have been made and released at government level.

In the meantime, if this law affects you, we would advise taking steps to prepare yourself for the regulations being implemented.

To access Third Party Insurance click HERE and to find information and help on how to muzzle train your dog, click HERE or HERE

If you have any questions or would like to book in to see a vet, please contact the team on PetsApp or by calling 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352.

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