- On 31 October 2023 the Government announced that the XL Bully type dog had been added to the banned breeds list.
- From 31 December 2023 it will be illegal to breed, sell or rehome these dogs and from this date they must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
- After 1 February 2024, it will become illegal to own an XL Bully unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.
You can find out more about the ban and how to prepare for it on the Government’s website:
Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs
Dogs Trust is holding online workshops to help dog owners learn how to muzzle and train their dogs:
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I have an XL Bully. What do I need to do?
Check if your dog is an XL Bully
The dog might not have been sold to you as an XL Bully, but if the physical characteristics apply, you will still be required by law to comply with the new requirements.
If you want to keep your XL Bully dog you will need to apply for an exemption certificate before 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. Read Neutering an XL Bully for when you must have your dog 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.
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I already have my Certificate of Exemption
Once you have your Certificate of Exemption there are other rules you must follow.
To keep an XL Bully dog it must be:
- Microchipped
- Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
- Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
- Neutered
As the owner, you must also:
- Be over 16 years old
- Take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people
- Be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within five days
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I live in a Wolverhampton Homes property and have an XL Bully dog
The tenancy agreement you signed does not allow any banned breed of dog to be kept in your home. Keeping an XL Bully after 31 January 2024 without a Certificate of Exemption will be a breach of your tenancy.
If you own an XL Bully you can find out what you need to do on the Government’s or the Dogs Trust websites:
Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs
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I breed XL Bully dogs from my home
Breeding any animals from a Wolverhampton Homes property is not permitted and is a breach of your tenancy agreement.
Breeding of XL Bully dogs in England and Wales will be illegal from 31 December 2023. You can find more information on the Government’s website:
Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs
If you are breeding XL Bully dogs or any other animal from your home, please contact your tenancy officer or speak to our ASB team about what you need to do next.
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I don’t want to keep my XL Bully dog
If you choose not to keep your XL Bully dog, the Government advise that you should take it to be euthanised at a registered vet practice by 31 January 2024.
You can claim £200 from the Government towards the costs. You and your vet will need to fill in a compensation form to make a claim.
You must apply by 15 March 2024.
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I’m concerned about an XL Bully type dog owned by my neighbour
Until the ban starts, your neighbour can continue to keep their dog without additional restrictions, but they are responsible for making sure any dog is kept securely and does not cause a nuisance.
Please contact your tenancy officer or speak to our ASB team about your concerns.