Extension of Breed Specific Legislation

DEFRA:

Relating currently to England and Wales

These changes will come into force in 2 stages. Full info can be found on the Government website here
From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:

• sell an XL Bully dog

• abandon an XL Bully dog

• 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 a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
You will need to adhere to strict rules such as microchipping your dog and keeping it on a lead and muzzled when in public.

You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024.

If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.

Check if your dog is an XL Bully dog

Use the Official definition of an XL Bully dog to identify if your dog may be an XL Bully. This involves checking the dog’s physical characteristics such as its size and height.

We recommend taking a precautionary approach. If you’re not sure if you have an XL Bully dog, you should comply with all new requirements for this dog type. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully dog.

Keeping an XL Bully dog

If you want to keep your dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

You will have until 31 January 2024 to apply for this exemption.

Applications will be subject to a £92.40 application fee, to cover administration costs.

To keep an XL Bully dog you must ensure it is:

• microchipped
• kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
• kept in a secure place so it cannot escape

You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.

As the owner, you must also:

• be over 16 years old
• take out insurance against your dog injuring other people - this is provided through Dogs Trust Membership
• 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

Defra will provide more information on how to apply for an exemption for an XL Bully dog soon.