By Tony O’Reilly-
XL Bully dog owners across the UK are being reminded by Chief Vet Christine Middlemiss to ensure they are prepared to comply with the stringent regulations set to take effect on December 31.
Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public, with breeding, selling, advertising, gifting, exchanging, abandoning, or allowing them to stray becoming illegal from the end of this month.
The call to action comes amid a surge in applications for exemption certificates, with over 4,000 submissions received. The majority of certificates have been issued in less than a week, emphasizing the urgency among owners to adhere to the impending restrictions.
Owners seeking an exemption must provide evidence of microchipping and commit to neutering their dogs by specific deadlines, emphasizing the responsible ownership of XL Bully breeds.
The deadline for exemption certificate applications is February 1, 2024, and after this date, possession of an XL Bully without a valid exemption could lead to criminal charges and unlimited fines.
The XL Bully breed has been at the center of recent safety concerns, with an alarming increase in dog attacks. In the past, there were approximately three fatalities annually, but since the beginning of 2021, there have been 23, with the XL Bully breed disproportionately involved in this surge.
Christine Middlemiss emphasised the significance of owners proactively addressing the new regulations. She said, “From 31 December, it will be a criminal offence to be in possession of an XL Bully in England and Wales without 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.”
During the transition period, owners considering euthanasia for their dogs can apply for compensation by completing a form provided by their vet. Moreover, animal welfare organizations, including Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, PDSA, and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, have offered resources and free online learning opportunities to assist owners in effectively muzzling their dogs.
The new regulations aim to safeguard the public following the concerning rise in dog attacks. Owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the detailed guidance available on the Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs government page.