American Bully XL advice
The Government has announced that by the end of 2023, the XL Bully type dog will be added to the breed types already banned in the UK, under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
From 14 November 2023 the Government brought into force legislation to implement the ban on XL Bully dogs and start the transition period for existing owners.
If you own an XL Bully type dog, it does not mean that you have to get rid of your dog. It simply means that there are few things that you must do to keep your dog legally. The transition period is open now and runs until 31 January 2024.
Reporting an XL Bully issue
The police have the enforcement role when dealing with banned breeds and any reports relating to the XL Bullies should go to them. Call the police on 101. If a dog is attacking a person or other animal call 999.
What you have to do
- Get Third Party Public Liability Insurance, before applying for a Certificate of Exemption – the Dogs Trust offer Liability Insurance for £25 a year
- Apply for a Certificate of Exemption before 31 January 2024, this costs £92.40 per dog Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog
- Neuter your dog permanently, if it is not already neutered. Read Neutering an XL Bully for when you must have your dog neutered. A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered
- Your dog must be microchipped
- Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
- Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
As the owner, you must also:
- Be over 16 years old
- Be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or us either at the time or within five days.
What you cannot do
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 dog in public without a lead and muzzle
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 valid Certificate of Exemption.
How to find out if you own a XL Bully
You can use the Official definition of an XL Bully dog to check if your dog may be an XL Bully. This involves checking the dog’s physical characteristics such as its size and height.
If you’re not sure if you have an XL Bully dog, you should comply with all new requirements for this dog type. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully dog.
The ban only applies to XL Bully dogs. There are other established breeds, such as those recognised by the UK Kennel Club that may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type. These are not within scope of the ban.
What happens if your XL Bully is already pregnant
It will be a criminal offence to breed XL Bully dogs from 31 December 2023. This includes:
- breeding from an XL Bully dog
- allowing for an XL Bully dog to be bred from any combination of other dogs
It will not be an offence to allow a litter of puppies that have already been conceived to be born. If the puppies are born after 31 December 2023, it will be an offence to sell them or to rehome them.
Defra recommends breeders should stop all XL Bully breeding activity now as it will be a criminal offence to sell, transfer, exchange, gift or advertise these dogs from 31 December 2023.
There is a nine-week period until the ban on selling comes into force to allow puppies that were bred before this legislation was introduced to be legally sold. Puppies must not be sold before they are eight weeks old.
If you purchased a puppy before 31 December 2023, which is less than eight weeks old at that point, you will be able to collect it legally when it’s eight weeks old. But you must adhere to the conditions laid out above.
What you should do if you do not want to keep your dog
If you do wish to have your dog destroyed, you can ask a registered vet to do this by 31 January 2024 and apply for compensation. However, the cost of having your dog destroyed is your responsibility and an application for compensation can be made afterwards. The deadline for applications should be made by 15 March 2024.
Find out more about claiming compensation for an XL Bully dog.