Thank you for contacting me about the Government’s decision to ban American XL Bully Dogs.
I am aware of a number of animal welfare campaigns relating to the Government’s recent decision and have read the petition on Parliament’s website about this issue. I will not be signing this Early Day Motion.
As you may be aware, owners who allow their dogs to terrorise people or other animals are already breaking the law, and there is already a full range of powers to apply penalties to owners who do not control their pets.
Very sadly, fatal and serious dog attacks have risen sharply this year. The American XL Bully- seemingly prized as status symbols by some for their aggressive temperaments- has been disproportionately involved in this rise. It is therefore only right that the Government takes decisive action to prevent these dogs from causing further harm.
Following this, the Government is protecting the public by adding the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act. It will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales from 31 December 2023. It will also be compulsory for owners to keep these dogs on a lead and muzzled when in public. A failure to comply will be a criminal offence.
Owners of XL Bully dogs should start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force. Breeders should also stop mating these types of dogs in preparation of it being a criminal offence from 31 December 2023 to sell or rehome these dogs. From 1 February 2024, it will become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. By staggering these dates, current owners of this breed will have time to prepare for these new rules.
Owners who wish to legally keep their dogs will have until 31 January 2024 to register their dog on the Index of Exempted dogs and comply with the requirements. As part of the process, all owners will need to provide proof that their dog has been microchipped and neutered. XL Bully owners should now arrange this as soon as possible if applying for an exemption.
From 1 February 2024, owners without a Certificate of Exemption could receive a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized. Owners can choose to have their dog put to sleep, rather than keeping them under the new conditions. I am informed that the Government will pay a contribution of £200 per dog towards the costs associated with this.
The transition period for owners to apply for an exemption is now open and application forms can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-kee…
I understand that a suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the physical description perfectly. If a dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the official definition, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type. This includes if it was not sold as an XL Bully. It is up to the owner or keeper to identify whether they think their dog may be in scope of the ban, which only applies to XL Bully dogs. If someone has a dog that is clearly another established breed, such as a rottweiler, the ban does not apply.
I am aware that Defra has recommended taking a precautionary approach. For owners who are not sure if they have an XL Bully dog, they should comply with all new requirements for this dog type. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully dog. The full definition can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl…
Banning these dogs has been under consideration for some time, but this has been complicated by the fact that the XL Bully is not formally recognised as a breed in the UK. For this reason ministers have been and will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as these important measures are taken forward.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.