Pet Abduction Bill moves on

The Pet Abduction Bill has now passed several stages in the House of Commons and moved onto the House of Lords - the 2nd Reading is due in the Lords on the 10th May.

The private members Bill was introduced by Anna Firth MP and will create specific offences of dog abduction and cat abduction and plans to confer a power to make corresponding provision relating to the abduction of other animals commonly kept as pets.

There is currently no legislation aimed at addressing pet theft specifically. Animals fall under the definition of property in legislation, and as such pet theft is dealt with under the Theft Act 1968.  Campaigners have called for stronger legislation that reflects the emotional value of pets to their owners and the distress associated with their theft.

XL Bully Neutering Forms Update

Updated information for owners of exempted XL Bully dogs in England and Wales:

If you own an XL Bully dog, you must provide Defra with evidence that your dog has been neutered for your Certificate of Exemption to remain valid. 

If you do not provide evidence that your dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, your dog will no longer be exempt. 

Your XL Bully dog must be permanently neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed.  

An RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon must perform the neutering procedure.

You must provide Defra with evidence that your XL Bully dog has been neutered on or before the relevant deadline. 

The deadline depends on the dog’s age on 31 January 2024.

If already neutered - A vet must confirm that your XL Bully is already neutered and fill in the VCN01 form with the owner.  

The owner must return the form to Defra on or before the relevant deadline. 

The owner must email a scanned copy or photo of the completed VCN01 form to XLBneuteringcerts@defra.gov.uk, or post it to:

Dogs Index (neutering forms)
PO Box 68250
London
SW1P 9XG

If you send the form by email, include the dog’s Certificate of Exemption number in the subject line. Include all scans or photos of the form in a single email.

If sending by post, we recommend you use a signed-for or special delivery service.

Guidance and Information - Confirm an XL Bully dog has been neutered - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)