XL Bully Ban - Explained

The government has added XL bully types to the list of banned dangerous dogs in England and Wales. It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully type dogs to stray.

If you currently have an XL bully type, you are required to keep your dog on a lead and muzzled when they are walked in public. You’ll also need to apply for the government’s exemption scheme by 31 January 2024 to get your dog exempted and comply with additional restrictions including having them neutered and having third party liability insurance.

From 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL bully type without a certificate of exemption.

Since the announcement of the ban, there have been many questions from owners. Here are our most-asked questions following the XL Bully ban announcement.  This  information is correct on 12 January 2024 but may be updated in the future. 

What is an XL bully?

An American bully XL, known as an XL bully, is the largest of the American bully types. They are not a registered breed and are a type of dog that has been bred from several different dog breeds.

Will my dog be ‘typed’ as an XL bully?

XL bullies are crossbreeds and the government has therefore created its own specifications for the breed, which includes the size of their head and muzzle, their build, and the height and length of their body. Breed name, genetics and parentage are not considered.

Check the full Government specifications at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog

We recommend measuring your dog’s height from the ground to the withers first. If they meet the minimum height requirement, you should proceed with assessing them against the rest of the specifications.

Check the Blue Cross video on how to measure your dog:

https://youtu.be/UMyUsEKO-Jg

A suspected XL bully breed type does not need to fit the specifications exactly. If your dog meets the height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the government’s definition, it could be considered an XL bully breed type.

If you’re concerned your dog might fall into these specifications, the government recommends taking a precautionary approach and applying for exemption.

What will the XL Bully ban mean for owners?

On 31 October 2023, the UK Government announced that XL Bully dogs are now banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. There are three different stages to help owners comply with the law.

Stage 1: 31 October 2023

Owners have until 31 January 2024 to apply for a Certificate of Exemption Scheme.

Apply for a Certificate of Exemption at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs#keeping_an_XL

Stage 2: 31 December 2023

From 31 December 2023, it will be illegal in England and Wales to:

• Sell an XL Bully dog

• Abandon an XL Bully dog

• Give away an XL Bully dog

• Breed an XL Bully dog

• Have an XL Bully dog in public without being on a lead and wearing a muzzle

• Own an XL Bully dog that has not been microchipped

Stage 3: 1 February 2024

From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog and you follow the rules, which include:

• Microchipping your dog.

• Muzzling your dog and keeping them on a lead in public.

• Neutering your dog.

• Taking out third-party insurance against your dog injuring other people – this can be provided through Dogs Trust Membership.

• Be over 16 years old.

Neutering

Neutering will be compulsory for XL Bully dogs by:

•  30 June 2024 for dogs over 1 year old on 31 January 2024, or by

• 31 December 2024 for dogs under 1 year old on 31 January 2024.

Confirmation of neutering

Once your XL Bully dog has been neutered, you and your vet will need to fill in form VCN01.  Download the from from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/confirm-an-xl-bully-dog-has-been-neutered

If your dog has already been neutered, it is preferrable that the vet who performed the procedure completes form VCN01.  However, it may be possible for us to complete this form subject to certain conditions being met or tests being carried out.

Third party public liability insurance cover

You’ll need to take out third party liability insurance for your dog which protects you if your dog injures another person. Dogs Trust provide this through their membership scheme.

Muzzle training

Your dog will also need to wear a muzzle when out in public, including in cars, and be walked on a lead at all times.

If you have not already started, you can get your dog used to wearing a muzzle by using positive reward-based training so that it’s a good experience for you and your dog.

Check the Blue Cross video on muzzle training:

https://youtu.be/6BjPpXer8IE

They also have more advice on muzzle training:

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/behaviour-and-training/dogs-and-muzzle-training

Your dog must be kept on a lead in public places and must be held by someone at least 16 years old. The law does not say how long your lead needs to be, but your dog must be in control. Long leads may be interpreted as breaking the terms of your exemption.

More information and advice

• Defra website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs

• Defra helpline: 03459 335577

• Blue Cross website: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/wellbeing-and-care/xl-bully-ban-explained

• Blue Cross helpline: 0300 790 9903

Please bear with us as we navigate the new legislation as there are many grey areas for both owners and veterinary practices. 

We ourselves are experiencing difficulties in getting clarification of certain areas of the legislation and we will not tolerate abusive behaviour towards our staff as we navigate this difficult time.

What should I do if I am unable to adhere to the restrictions?

All owners of XL Bully dogs will have to follow these specific guidelines.

Sadly, if you cannot adhere to these requirements by then, you’ll be convicted of a crime. This can lead to an unlimited fine, a prison sentence and/or having your dog seized and potentially euthanised.

What happens to unowned XL Bully dogs?

From 31 December 2023, it will be illegal to abandon an XL Bully dog or allow them to stray. If you find a stray or abandoned dog, you should contact your local council, as they are responsible under the law for providing a stray dog service.

Should I report XL Bully dogs?

XL Bully breeds are banned – so you can report an XL Bully to the police if you see the dog without a muzzle or lead in public after 31 December 2023. If you are concerned that a dog is dangerous or has aggressive behaviour, regardless of the breed, then you should report the dog to the police or local authority.

If you are concerned about the cruelty or neglect of any pet, you should report it to the RSPCA in England and Wales.

How do I stay safe around dogs?

The recent string of attacks is very distressing to many but it’s important to remember that the vast majority of dogs in the UK are not dangerous. However, it’s always best to be cautious, calm, and quiet when interacting with dogs.

Any dog can become aggressive if they are afraid or feel there is no other way out of the situation. The warning signs that a dog may attack include (but are not limited to):

• Growling

• Snarling

• Snapping

• Baring Teeth

• Lunging

Never approach an unknown dog without checking with their owner first and always ask the owner before stroking. If you do see a dog that is outside alone, call the council or report the dog online rather than approaching them.

We also recommend that you never run or shout around an unfamiliar dog. For further advice on dealing with a dog attack, read more from the PDSA.

What to do if you’re worried about a dog’s behaviour

Understanding how to respond when you're concerned about a dog's behaviour can be challenging, and not all situations are the same. It’s always vital to make sure that the safety of the people involved is the main priority.

If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps to help keep you and others safe:

• Step 1: Keep calm and get away from the situation – avoid eye contact and distance yourself from the dog quietly, slowly and calmly.

• Step 2: Create a physical barrier such as a door, car or whatever you have to hand.

• Step 3: If the owner is nearby, ask them to calmly put their dog on a lead if they haven’t already.

• Step 4: Try not to panic as loud noises or running could startle the dog and make them feel threatened. If a dog runs towards you, ignore the dog and remain still, standing side-on to appear less threatening. If you end up on the ground, curl in a ball and protect your head.

For further information on this, read the PDSA guide.