In response to a recent spike in deadly attacks, the UK government has moved swiftly to address the issue by officially adding American XL Bully dogs to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The government’s decision, confirmed today, introduces a series of regulations and guidelines to ensure public safety and responsible dog ownership.
Effective December 31st, 2023, a comprehensive set of rules will make it illegal to engage in various activities related to American XL Bully dogs in England and Wales. These activities include breeding, selling, advertising, exchanging, gifting, rehoming, abandoning, or allowing these dogs to stray.
Owners are urged to take immediate action to comply with the new regulations. From December 31st, 2023, American XL Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public spaces. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs advises owners to initiate training their dogs accordingly to ensure a smooth transition into the new legal restrictions.
Breeders are also under strict instructions, being told to halt the mating of American XL Bully dogs in preparation for the impending criminalisation of selling or rehoming these dogs. The government aims to stagger the enforcement of the regulations to allow current owners time to adjust.
Starting from February 1st, 2024, owning an American XL Bully dog without being registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs will be deemed a criminal offence. Owners have until the end of January to register their dogs, with stringent requirements to be met.
Owners choosing to keep their dogs must ensure compliance with additional measures. This includes microchipping, neutering, muzzling, and keeping the dog on a lead in public spaces. Dogs under one year old must be neutered by the end of the year, while older dogs have until the end of June.
Failure to obtain a Certificate of Exemption by February 1st, 2024, will result in criminal charges and an unlimited fine for owners found in possession of an American XL Bully dog, with the possibility of the dog being seized.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey emphasised the government’s commitment to taking decisive action to protect the public from dog attacks. Coffey stated, “It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.”
The government pledges to work closely with police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups to ensure the successful implementation of these vital measures aimed at enhancing public safety and responsible dog ownership.
