The government has added the XL Bully breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Under the new rules, which come into force at the end of the year, it will be an offence to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales. Also from this date, dogs of this breed must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
From January 31 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless it is registered on the Index of Exempted dogs and is compliant with the requirements. Dogs older than one year on January 31, 2024, must be neutered by June 30, 2024, while younger dogs must be neutered by December 31, 2024.
The ban means that, from February next year, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face 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.
The announcement follows a pledge by the government to ban the breed following a number of highly-publicised attacks. Compensation will be offered to owners who choose to have their dog put to sleep by a vet.
Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.
“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”
XL Bully joins pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasiliero and Dogo Argentino as banned breeds in the UK. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, irresponsible owners can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership and have their dogs euthanised.
