XL Bully ownership information

Information about the recent change in law regarding XL Bully ownership and what owners should do next can be found here.

The XL Bully dog has now been classed as a banned breed. The legislation will come into effect in two stages.

As 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

As 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.

If you own an XL bully type dog you do not have to get rid of the dog. You will need to follow a few simple tasks to legally keep your dog.  If you are unsure whether your dog is an XL Bully please check the link below for further information.  If you are still in doubt then apply for a Certificate of Exemption regardless.

Official definition of an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The transition period runs until 31 January 2024 and by this date you must:

  • Obtain third party public liability insurance – this can be purchased from any insurer but the Dogs Trust are offering this for £25.00 a year. Find out more by visiting:  Companion Club - Dogs Trust
  • Cover must start at the latest 1 February 2024 and it must cover the policyholder for:
    • death or bodily injury to any person caused by the exempted dog, and
    • is suitable for a prohibited breed as defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
  • Have your dog permanently neutered through castration (male) or spaying (female) by:
    • 30 June 2024 if your dog is older than 1 year old on 31 January 2024.
    • 31 December 2024 if your dog is younger than 1 year old on 31 January 2024.
       
  • Once your dog has been neutered or is already neutered a vet must confirm this by completing the form at the link below and then either the dog owner or the vet must return the form to DEFRA:
    Confirm an XL Bully dog has been neutered
  • Have your dog micro chipped.  This is a legal requirement for all dogs over 8 weeks old.   If your dog is under 8 weeks old when you apply for your Certificate of Exemption, you will have until 31 March 2024 to microchip your dog.
  • Once the above is complete you will then need to apply for a Certificate of Exemption which costs £92.40 per dog.

As owner you must:

  • Be over 16 years of age.
  • Be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by the Police or Local Authority Dog Warden – this can be within 5 days of being asked.