XL Bully ban – Everything you need to know after rise in fatal attacks

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XL Bully dogs have been banned by the government under new laws. The new rules will come into force at the end of the year as the government pledges to protect the public following a rise in fatal attacks.

Following on from a recent article we wrote on the subject, XL Bullies have been banned under the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act.

The new rules, which will go into force from December 31 will make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.

XL Bully ban

From this date, XL Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners of XL Bully dogs are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.

Breeders have also been told to stop mating these types of dogs from now in preparation of it being a criminal offence to sell or rehome these dogs. From February 1, 2024, it will also become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

“We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.

“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”

Paul McMullan, Personal Injury expert at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd commented:

“Owners of the breed will be faced with the very sad news of the ban coming into force. Whilst it does not mean the dogs need to be put to sleep, it does place a much higher burden on the owners to keep the dogs always secure and under control in public or anywhere the public have access.

“We see far too many injuries as a result of dog attacks, including the XL Bully, where owners have just not considered whether their dog is under control. Whilst they might be very friendly with family and those they know, how do they react to strangers?

“When leaving the dog unattended in a front garden, can a child or anyone get access to the dog? These are the things owners need to think carefully about.”

What is an XL Bully?

The government has published the definition of the ‘XL Bully’ breed as the new rules are due to come into force.

The definition has been published following a number of meetings convened by the Environment Secretary and made up of police, local authority, vets and other animal welfare experts to help define the breed.

XL Bully definition

The XL Bully breed type was developed through the crossing of various bull breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier. The XL Bully breed type is a variant of the wider American Bully breed type.

The XL Bully breed type is typically larger (both in terms of height and body shape) and more muscular than other Bully breed variant types such as the ‘Micro’, ‘Pocket’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Classic’. The full definition of the XL Bully breed has been published on the government website.

XL Bully Exemption certificate

Owners who wish to keep their dogs will have until the end of January to register them and will be forced to comply with strict requirements. As well as being muzzled and kept on a lead in public, these dogs must also be microchipped and neutered.

Dogs under one year when the ban comes in must be neutered by the end of the year, older dogs must be neutered by the end of June. From 1 February, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized.

How to apply for exemption certificate

To keep an XL Bully, you must apply for an exemption certificate which means you will adhere to strict rules. XL Bully owners will need to ensure their dog is microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public and kept in a secure place so it cannot escape.

Owners who apply for the exemption certificate will also need to be over 16 years old, take out insurance against your dog injuring other people and be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days.

Punishment for dangerous dogs

Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and the enforcement authorities have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.