There will be a complete ban on the breed from 1 February 2024.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the first restrictions on American XL bully ownership are to come into force from 31 December 2023.

This will be followed by a ban on ownership of the breed, except where a Certificate of Exemption has been issued, from 1 February 2024.

Defra has published details of how the law, which sees the American XL bully banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, will be implemented in two stages. It has also released an official definition of the breed.

The department has recommended that owners take a precautionary approach, complying with the guidance if they are not sure whether their dog fits the definition.

From 31 December 2023, owners of the XL bully type must follow strict rules in line with the legislation. This includes keeping their pet on a lead and muzzled when they are out in public.

It will also be illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL bully.

This new law extends to rehoming centres. They will legally not be permitted to find homes for American XL bullies that are surrendered to them unless they obtain a Certificate of Exemption.

The remainder of the ban comes into force from 1 February 2024, when the breed becomes banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

If an American XL bully owner wishes to keep their dog, they must apply for a Certificate of Exemption before 31 January 2024. The application costs £92.40 and, if approved, will permit them to keep their dog.

Exempt dogs will also have to be registered as neutered.

The rules state that a dog which is less than one year old on 31 January 2024 must be neutered by 31 December 2024. A dog older than one year old on 31 January 2024 must be neutered by 30 June 2024.

Once the dog is neutered, veterinary practices will need to complete a proof of neutering form, to be returned to Defra’s Index of Exempted Dogs.

If an American XL bully owner or a rescue centre does not want to get exemption, they should bring their dog to a veterinary practice to be euthanised. Owners will be able to claim up to £200 compensation per dog towards costs, while rescue centres can claim £100.

Veterinary practices are asked to read the official definition of XL bullies, follow the RCVS Code of Conduct and keep owners informed on details of the ban. They will not be expected to report XL bullies or their owners to the police.

Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”

The full guidance can be found here.

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