14th March 2024 Information from DEFRA:
https://www.gov.uk/government/
Extension to the neutering deadline for XL Bully dogs that
were under seven months on the 31st January 2024
The deadline for neutering the youngest XL Bully dogs is to
be extended following engagement with the veterinary industry.
The new deadline to neuter XL Bully dogs that were under
seven months on the 31st January 2024 will be 30th June 2025. We will make this
change through legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.
This is to make sure we safely manage the existing XL Bully
dog population, balancing the welfare of these animals with keeping people
safe.
Neutering for older dogs remains the same. For dogs that
were over 1 year on the 31st January 2024, this has to be done by the 30th June
2024, while dogs aged 7 – 12 months on the 31st January 2024 must be neutered
by the end of 2024.
With just over three months before the first deadline of
30th June 2024, owners of older dogs are reminded to book an appointment with
the vet in good time.
If evidence is not provided that the dog has been neutered
by the relevant deadline, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to
keep an XL Bully dog and it may be seized by the police.
It remains an offence to breed or rehome an XL Bully dog
regardless of its age.
