Delay the ban on rehoming and owning XL Bully dogs for 18 months

XL Bully dogs cannot be rehomed after 31/12/23, and will be illegal to own without an exemption certificate from 1/2/24. As a result many Bully dogs are being abandoned or placed in rescue. We want more time for owners to rehome or get exemptions, to avoid dogs being euthanised unnecessarily.

The dogs in rescue are not there through choice. They are there due to abusive owners or neglectful owners, or because the implications of the ban have forced people to choose between their home and their beloved dog. These dogs do not deserve to die and these dogs do not deserve to live out the last 2 months of their lives in kennels. If you extend the amnesty period for them 18 months they may be able to get exemption certificates and find forever homes. They are sentient beings.

We have seen an increase in dog attacks in recent years, including those causing injuries and fatalities, with the XL Bully being disproportionally involved in this rise. That is why we have taken decisive action to add XL Bully breed types to the list of breeds prohibited by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. We firmly believe that this approach is needed to reduce the risks to the public by this type.

The ban on XL Bully breed types has come into force in two stages, to help current owners adapt to the new laws.

Since 31 December 2023, all owners of XL Bully breed types must comply with strict conditions. This includes ensuring they put their dog on a lead and muzzle in public. Breeding, selling, exchanging, gifting, abandoning, or allowing these dogs to stray is now banned.

Since 1 February 2024 it has become a criminal offence to be in possession of an XL Bully in England and Wales unless the dog is covered by a Certificate of Exemption. Owners who have a certificate of exemption need to adhere to strict rules for the life of a dog, including holding valid third-party public liability insurance, and for the dog to be microchipped and neutered by a certain date.

We have provided an extended period for owners to have their dogs neutered. Dogs that are less than one year old on 31 January 2024, will need to be neutered by 31 December 2024. Dogs that are older than one year old on 31 January 2024, must be neutered by 30 June 2024. Further guidance on neutering is available on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/confirm-an-xl-bully-dog-has-been-neutered).