XL Bully Dogs

Laws and Requirements

XL Bully Dogs

Laws and Requirements

By 31st December 2023 it will be illegal to breed, buy, sell, gift, abandon or rehome an XL Bully type in England.

By 1st February 2024 it will become a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate from DEFRA.

If this is requested by the police or dog warden, you must be able to produce it within 5 days. The standards used to define a XL Bully type are broad and owners must decide on an individual basis whether their dog needs one.

To apply for an exemption the dog must be:

1. Owned by someone over 16 years old.

 

2. Microchipped, with the details up to date.

 

3. Neutered, this must be done by 30th June 2024 if the dog is over 1 year on 31st December 2023, or by 31st December 2024 if the dog is under 1 year on 31st December 2023.

 

4. Muzzled and kept on a lead in all public places.

 

5. Kept in a secure area that they are unable to escape from.

 

6. Be insured against injury to others (3rd party liability insurance), this may be available through some insurance companies and via a £25 a year Dog’s trust membership.

Other things to bear in mind:

- If puppies are under 8 weeks old on 31st December 2023 (too young to be away from mum), they can still be exchanged after this date, but all money transactions should be completed and documented before this date.

- Most Doggy day care centres, boarding kennels etc will not be insured to have banned breeds on the premises so they will likely not be an option for this breed.

- 3rd party liability insurance (and therefore, the exemption certificate) must be renewed each year

- Proof of neutering must be provided form the vet to DEFRA

We understand this may be a stressful time for many dog owners and if you have any concerns or questions, please discuss this with a member of our team and we will do our very best to help you navigate these changes.

For further information please see here - https://www.myfamilyvets.co.uk/american-bully-xl-breed-guide