XL Bully owners in Gedling borough are being reminded they now have just two weeks to ensure their dogs are legal – or face having them seized.
The breed will have to be on a lead and muzzled when in public when new restrictions come into force on December 31. It will also become illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon, or let XL Bully dogs stray from this date.
If owners want to keep their dog after the breed is officially banned on February 1, 2024 , they will have to apply for an exemption certificate. The Government have said that over 4000 applications have now been received with the majority of certificates issued in less than a week.
If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL Bully, they should check their dog carefully against the Government’s guidance and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them decide.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “New legal restrictions for XL Bullies are now less than a fortnight away. Owners should read the guidance and ensure they are ready to comply with the new rules, which includes keeping your XL Bully dog muzzled and on a lead in public from 31 December.
“From February 1, 2024, it will also be a criminal offence to have an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have applied for an exemption. Please do not risk leaving it to the last minute if you want to keep your dog, you should apply now for a Certificate of Exemption.
“We recommend a precautionary approach – if you are unsure if your dog is an XL Bully or whether any puppies may grow up to be of this dog type, you should comply with the relevant requirements and restrictions.”
To receive an exemption, owners must hold active public liability insurance for their dog, have had their dog microchipped, and pay the application fee. Owners will also be required to provide proof that their dog has been neutered. For most dogs, this will be by June 30, 2024, and for dogs under one year old, this should be by the end of 2024.
After the transition period ends, 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.
The Government say the measures are being introduced to safeguard the public following an increase in dog attacks in recent years.
A spokesman said: “Up until 2021 there were around three fatalities per year. There have been 23 since the start of 2021 – with the XL Bully being disproportionately involved in this rise.”
During the transition period, owners who no longer wish to keep their dogs and who arrange for a vet to euthanise them may apply for compensation towards this. Owners and their vets will need to complete a form to make a claim.
Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
