The on the 15th September Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the American Bully XL will be banned by the end of the year - 2023.
DEFRA have said they will lay a Statutory Instrument to add the American XL Bully to the current list of dogs banned.
Breed specific legislation can be found within Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act which was first introduced in the UK back in 1991 and has been widely criticised as a complete failure.
Currently four 'types' of dog are prohibited, with 'type' having a broader definition in law than 'breed'. Dogs are presently identified based mainly on their appearance (physical measurements and proportions) not on DNA, parentage on pedigree papers.
DEFRA have also said that there will be a transition period - Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss stated on the 16th Sept that the transition period, referred to as an 'amnesty' will require owners to register their dogs and take action including neutering and insurance, muzzle and leash in all public places.
These are some of the requirements currently needed for dog registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs
Currently the law has NOT changed, it is planned to change and the Government is taking advice.
The details including how the American Bully XL will be defined - has not yet been made public.
It is recommended that owners take steps now to get ahead of what will be required:
Neuter your dog (record your dog's microchip details at the vets on your dogs record for proof of neutering at a later date if needed).
Obtain the 3rd party liability insurance cover now, by joining the Dogs Trust membership scheme, you will be covered as a benefit to membership - £25 per year per person (£12.50 if over 60yrs) covering up to 10 dogs. Details on their website here.
Buy a decent muzzle which allows your dog to pant and breath, begin muzzle training now, so that you have time for your dog to adjust to wearing a muzzle.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and the dog's microchip information is up to date on the database.
