Exempted Dogs Update - Defra New

There are two changes issued by Defra in June 2026, applying to all exempted dogs in England and Wales as follows:

1. 9 June 2026

Updated guidance to reflect changes to requirements. 1. From 1 July 2026, you will no longer need third party public liability insurance for banned breed dogs, including XL Bully dogs. Updated section ‘Third party public liability insurance’.

1. 2. From 1 November 2026, you must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with an XL Bully dog in a private place (for example a home or garden), without adult supervision.

2. A government press release stated:

3. From 1 November 2026, owners must not leave a child under the age of 12 in close proximity to a banned breed dog in a domestic setting or other private settings place without adult supervision. This will be a condition of the Certificate of Exemption, which allows owners to legally keep a banned breed. 

4. Details can be viewed online here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs#if-you-have-a-certificate-of-exemption

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