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)
