From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning, and allowing an XL bully dog to stray will be illegal in the UK.
Over the last few weeks, Streatham Hill Veterinary Surgery has received a lot of questions from concerned XL bully owners as the new regulations are now fast approaching for England and Wales.
First and foremost, we want to assure you that we will do our absolute best to support our clients throughout the entire process of registering their dog. Our goal is to care for all animals no matter what shape or size.
Here are the steps you must follow:
1- Confirm that your dog is classified as an XL bully:
Whilst XL Bully is not a breed, any dog with certain specified characteristics can be classed as a XL Bully.
The criteria can be found on the GOV.UK website.
2- Apply for a Certificate of Exemption:
To keep your XL Bully after the ban comes into force you will need to apply for a certificate of exemption by 31 January 2024.
To get a Certificate of Exemption you must:
- Get third party public liability insurance cover for your dog.
- Neuter your dog permanently if it is not already neutered. A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered.
- Pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep. The fee is not refundable.
- Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog.
3- Microchip your dog:
Microchipping in dogs has been compulsory in England, Scotland and Wales since 6 April 2016. So, you need to ensure your XL bully is chipped and the details are up to date.
4- Neuter your dog:
Your dog must also be neutered. More guidance can be found on the government website.
If your dog is less than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024.
If it is older than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024.
Please contact our surgery on 0208 674 3525 if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for your dog to be neutered.
5- Keep your dog on a lead and always muzzled when in public:
Full guidance regarding muzzling and lead walking can be found on the government website.
Our Hospital Manager Luke is also an XL bully owner.
In these two videos, he goes into more detail as to what you must do as an XL bully owner to ensure that you comply with the changes to the law and shares some valuable tips on muzzle training your dog.
