What with all the recent publicity and slight confusion around the banning of XL Bully dogs I thought I would provide the correct information straight from the RSPCA.
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 now?
As of 31st December 2023 it is now illegal to sell, breed or give away an XL Bully dog, prohibited under the Dangerous Dog Act. Owners have until the 31st January 2024 to exempt their dogs they suspect of being a XL Bully under the Government process or ensuring they are humanely euthanised.
What will the ban mean for people who own an XL Bully dog? And what should I do if I own an XL Bully dog?
Owners of XL Bully dogs need to visit the UK Government website and look at their advice and guidance.
It's important to know that from 31 December 2023, XL Bully dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead when in a public place. We strongly recommend that owners should start to train their dogs to wear a muzzle when in public and to walk on a lead before this date. It's important to introduce your dog to a muzzle gradually and positively. There’s some really good guidance on how to do this from our friends at the Blue Cross. Read the Blue Cross muzzle training advice.
Keeping your XL Bully
From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless your dog has been exempted. You can now apply for a certificate of exemption to legally keep your dog and information about how to do this is on Government website. You will have until the end of February to do this.
As part of the process to exempt your dog, you will need third-party liability insurance, 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.
Once your dog has been exempted 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.
How can I apply for an exemption?
To legally keep your dog you must apply for a certificate of exemption by the 31st of January 2024. The Government’s website explains how to apply for this certificate.
What is the exemption process?
The Government released details about the exemption process on 14 November 2023 and we strongly advise you read through it in detail. We have summarised the key information here. People need to check if their dog is an XL bully themselves, so they won’t need to be removed from their homes.
To apply for a certificate of exemption, your dog must microchipped (a legal requirement for all dogs), have third party liability insurance and be neutered. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it 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.
Owners must pay an application fee of £92.40 and apply for a certificate of exemption.
Any exempted dogs will have to wear a muzzle and kept on a lead at all times in public after 31 December, and kept in a secure place from which they cannot escape. We recommend owners should start training their dogs now, positively, to get used to muzzles and there are training videos online to help you do that.
Will dogs need to be taken away to be assessed as part of the exemption process?
No, your dog will not be taken away. You need to check if your dog may be an XL Bully dog in order to apply for an exemption. The Government’s website explains how to do this and you can read the official definition of a XL Bully dog.
Height is a necessary requirement so you should assess your dog’s height first, measuring from the ground to the withers (the top of the shoulders) and not higher. The minimum height for an adult male is from 20in (51 cm) at the withers 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. If your dog meets the height requirement, you will need to work through the rest of the definition.
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 address 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.
Do you have any information about how to stay safe around dogs?
Please read our advice on meeting unfamiliar dogs and how to keep children safe around dogs.
What is likely to be an offence now the ban is introduced?
As of 31 December 2023, it is now illegal to sell, breed or give away an XL Bully dog, prohibited under the Dangerous Dog Act.
From 1 February 2024, it will be 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 as you go through this process. 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.
It's advisable to get your dog used to wearing a muzzle by introducing this gradually and positively so that the dog doesn't feel uncomfortable with it on. Read the Blue Cross information about how to muzzle train your dog.
It's also important to ensure your dog is neutered, microchipped and that you have third-party liability insurance.
There is some financial support available for owners to neuter and exempt XL Bully dogs.
What’s going to happen to all of the dogs in our care
Until 31 December, we and other rehoming organisations continued rehoming XL Bully types. 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.
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