11/01/2024
Xl bully ban.
Please read through. Even if you think this doesn’t effect you. It might help someone you know!
With the XL bully ban in place I am finding more and more people contacting me regarding this. It does not matter if your dog is an XL bully or just a normal bully breed this may apply to you.
Please read the guidelines fully. I will post all relevant links at the end.
31 October 2023 — the Government announced that the American Bully XL type dog had been added to the banned breeds list in England and Wales.
31 December 2023 — it became illegal to breed, sell, advertise, rehome, abandon or allow an American Bully XL type dog to stray.
15 January 2024 — deadline to apply for a Certificate of Exemption by post.
31 January 2024 — deadline to apply for a Certificate of Exemption online (12 noon).
1 February 2024 — it will become illegal to own an American Bully XL type dog if they are not registered on the Index of Exempted dogs. Owners must also have third party public liability insurance in place, and dogs must be microchipped and neutered (unless they’re too young, see other dates below).
31 March 2024 — deadline to have your dog microchipped and give the microchip number to Defra, if your dog was less than eight weeks old when you applied for a Certificate of Exemption.
30 June 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered and give evidence to Defra, if your dog was more than one year old on 31 January 2024.
31 December 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered and give evidence to Defra, if your dog was less than one year old on 31 January 2024.
To keep an American Bully XL dog, you must ensure they are:
microchipped
neutered (If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered by 30 June 2024. If your dog is less than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered by 31 December 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible, when they are old enough.)
kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
kept in a secure place so that they can’t escape.
And owners must:
have third party liability insurance against your dog injuring other people
be aged over 16
show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days
let the Index of Exempt Dogs know if you change address, or if your dog dies.
The Government has defined an American XL Bully as:
Adult male from 20in (51 cm) at the withers
Adult female from 19in (48cm) at the withers
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/companion-club
If you have any questions please contact us through Facebook or on 07341612258
Thank you
Use this GOV.UK service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.
