XL Bully dog ban guide : Key information for owners
The government has now added XL bully type dogs to the list of banned dangerous dogs in England and Wales. This means that from 31 December 2023 it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully types to stray.
Below is a guide for XL Bully type dog owners on the various actions they need to take and by what date:
| Date | Action |
| Up until 31 December 2023 |
Owners should check their dog against the standard here: The Standard.
Owners should start training their dogs to wear a muzzle and walk on a lead now, ahead of the restrictions coming into force on 31 December 2023.
XL Bully breeders should stop all breeding activity as it will be a criminal offence to sell, transfer, exchange, gift or advertise these dogs from 31 December 2023.
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| From 31 December 2023 |
All owners of XL Bully breed types must comply with strict conditions. This includes ensuring they put their dog on a lead and muzzle in public, and do not breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon their dog.
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| Up until 1 February 2024 |
Owners of XL Bully type dogs or owners of young dogs that could grow to be XL Bully type dogs have two options:
1. Apply for their dog to be added to the Index of Exempted Dogs here: Application For Exemption.
Owners should contact Dogs Trust to arrange for insurance via their membership scheme here: Dogs Trust Membership.
Owners should make sure their dog is microchipped, registered on a microchip database and the details are up to date. They should also plan to have their dog neutered.
2. Put their dog to sleep: The Government will pay a contribution towards the costs associated with euthanasia that takes place before 31 January 2024. This contribution will be a total of £200 per dog. Owners and their vet will need to complete a form
in order to make a claim. Details of how to apply for compensation can be found here: Compensation
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| From 1 February 2024 | It will be a criminal offence to be in possession of an XL Bully in England and Wales, unless owners have received an exemption. |
| By 30 June 2024 |
If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. Owners will need to have provided us with evidence of this by this date to keep their exemption. More details of how to do this will be provided soon.
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By 31 December 2024
| If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. Owners will need to have provided us with evidence of this by this date to keep their exemption. More details of how to do this will be provided soon. |
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