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Breed Specific Legislation

XL Bully dogs

Following the Prime Minister's intervention, the UK Government has added XL Bully dogs to a list of dogs which are banned in England and Wales - we understand this is hugely concerning and upsetting for owners, as well as animal welfare organisations like ourselves.

The RSPCA is opposed to this ban, which we don’t believe is effective in protecting the public. We do not agree with the broad legal definition of an XL Bully dog announced by the UK Government but we must comply with the law and we are committed to supporting dog owners as we await more information.

Is it illegal for me to own an XL Bully dog?

As of 1 February 2024, it is illegal to own an XL Bully unless the dog is exempted. The deadline for exempting XL Bullies has now passed.

We understand how upsetting this is for owners. The law also means that it is illegal for animal charities to rehome an XL Bully.

What should I do if I own an XL Bully who has been exempted?

If you own an XL Bully, and you have applied for exemption, you must by law follow a number of requirements.

You will need third-party liability insurance, which is insurance against your dog injuring other people - this is provided through Dogs Trust Membership. Your dog must be microchipped (which is already a legal requirement).

Your dog will also need to be neutered. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.

You must adhere to the conditions otherwise you could be committing a criminal offence and your dog could be seized. You must be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days.

As always, if you are concerned about your dog's behaviour, we would urge you to speak to your vet and they can refer you to an ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist if necessary.

Owners of XL Bully dogs need to visit the UK Government website and look at their advice and guidance.

If you have applied for a Certificate of Exemption but not received it

It can take a few days to process applications for certificates, so you may not have received your Certificate of Exemption by 1 February. If the authorities ask to see your Certificate of Exemption during this period, you can show them evidence that you have applied.

What should I do if I haven’t exempted my XL Bully or am unsure if my dog is an XL Bully?

If you think your dog might be an XL Bully but haven’t gone through the exemption process then you will need to contact your local Dog Legislation Officer through your local police force. We would also strongly advise that you contact one of the specialist support groups such as DDA Watch or Deed not Breed to ensure you are fully aware of the law and your rights and options. It is important to understand that whilst many people may offer their opinion about whether your dog is of type, it is a police dog legislation officer who will assess and determine whether or not your dog is illegal.

What are the list of conditions of ownership?

Under the current legislation, illegal types of dog are assessed and can be exempted if a court decides their behaviour does not pose risk to public safety and if the owner is considered approved. The dog will then have restrictions placed on them such as being muzzled in public and not being allowed off lead.

How do I know if I have an XL Bully dog?

Owners are being asked to identify whether their dogs are XL Bully dogs. The UK Government has published their official definition of an XL Bully dog. The height of your dog is a necessary requirement and so you should measure your dog’s height first, from the ground to the withers (top of the shoulders) and not higher. The minimum height for an adult male is from 20in (51 cm) at the withers i.e. top of the shoulders and for an adult female from 19in (48cm) at the withers. If the minimum height is not met then your dog is not considered an XL Bully and no further assessment is needed.

Can I report an XL Bully dog to you?

We only take reports about cruelty and neglect, regardless of breed. We do not deal with complaints about dogs acting dangerously - please take any concerns about aggressive dogs to the police. As the current law stands, it is an offence to allow a dog of any breed or type to be dangerously out of control in a public or private place. There is no need to report American Bully XLs to the police unless you are concerned about their behaviour.

Do you have any information about how to stay safe around dogs?

What is an offence now the ban has been introduced?

The XL Bully dog is a prohibited type of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This means it is illegal to sell, breed or give away an XL Bully dog in England and Wales. It is also against the law to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate. Owners of exempted dogs must adhere to the conditions at all times otherwise they may be committing a criminal offence and could have their dog seized.

Will dogs be required to wear a muzzle and lead if I rent a private enclosed field?

We understand that this is currently causing a lot of confusion and are seeking guidance from Defra.

What support and information is available for XL Bully owners?

We understand that this is a difficult and upsetting time for owners. Please continue to give your pet the walks and care that they need. If you are concerned about your dog's behaviour, we would urge you to speak to your vet and they can refer you to an ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist if necessary.

There is also some financial support available for owners to neuter XL Bully dogs. Our Veterinary Care Fund (in partnership with Battersea and Blue Cross) aims to help with the cost of neutering your XL bully type. From 5 February 2024, the fund will provide up to £250 to eligible and financially struggling owners. Contact your vet for more information.

What’s going to happen to all of the dogs in our care?

It is now illegal for us to rehome to members of the public. This is a difficult time for our staff who have been caring for dogs who are likely to be affected.It is now illegal for us to rehome to members of the public. This is a difficult time for our staff who have been caring for dogs who are likely to be affected.

Will the RSPCA continue to fight this ban?

We've been campaigning for many years against the Dangerous Dogs Act and Breed Specific legislation, which bans dogs simply because of how they look, and we are deeply concerned about the addition of another dog to the list of banned breeds. We are part of the Dog Control Coalition and all of us in the sector believe that this ban will not protect the public. Despite this change in law, we will continue to campaign for more effective dog control in the UK, which focuses on prevention and early intervention, regardless of breed.