Following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the UK Government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
To check if your dog may be an XL Bully, you can find out more on the Government's website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog.
To help current owners adapt to the new laws, these changes will come into force in 2 stages.
From 31 December 2023, it became a criminal offence to:
- sell or exchange 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
From 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.
Keeping an XL Bully dog
If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024.
To get a Certificate of Exemption you must:
- Get third party public liability insurance cover for your dog.
- Neuter your dog permanently if it is not already neutered.
- Pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep. The fee is not refundable.
For more information about keeping an XL Bully and how to apply for a certificate of exemption, you can visit the Government's website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs.
What to do if you believe there is a dangerous/banned dog in your neighbourhood
Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the police under the Dangerous Dogs Act. If you are in fear of your safety, please contact the police immediately on 999 to report the dangerous dog. Banned or stolen dogs should be reported directly to the police on 101.
Once you have reported this to the police, please contact us:
By telephone - 01253 477900 (select option 3)
By email to asb@bch.co.uk