XL Bully Dogs
On 31 October 2023 the UK Government announced that the XL Bully will be added to a list of dogs that are banned in England and Wales. We understand this is hugely concerning and upsetting for owners. We want to reassure you that there is clear government guidance that, if followed, means your pet is welcome to continue living in your home. We have updated our pet policy to give you additional clarity.
To help protect any colleagues who may come into your home, if you own an XL Bully, we would like you to contact us so that we can log this information. We’ll record that you have a Certificate of Exemption and the relevant insurance (see below), so that you’re not asked about this again.
What has the government announced?
In October, the government announced that the XL Bully type dog has been added the list of dogs banned in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Since 31 December 2023 it is against the law to:
- sell an XL Bully dog
- abandon an XL Bully dog
- give away an XL Bully dog
- breed from an XL Bully dog
- have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle.
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption and third-party public liability insurance cover for your dog.
A Certificate of Exemption costs £92.40. Insurance costs will vary depending on your provider. If you’re worried about the impact of this on your finances, please contact our Money Advice Team who will be able to give you some guidance.
Will bpha allow permission for me to keep an XL Bully?
If you already have permission to have a pet, please contact us to confirm that you have got your Certificate of Exemption and insurance – we’ll then update our records.
If you don’t already have permission for an existing pet, we have updated our pet permission form to reflect the change.
You will be required to ensure that you abide by the strict terms as outlined by the government legislation otherwise you could be committing a criminal offence and your dog could be seized.
If you own an XL Bully, we recommend you start preparing by making sure your dog is neutered, microchipped, and trained to wear a muzzle.
In addition to the government legislation, from January 1 2024, we ask that your dog wears a muzzle when a bpha staff member or a contractor working on behalf of bpha enters your home or garden.
What shall I do if I own an XL Bully?
You will have until 31 January 2024 to apply for the exemption. To keep an XL Bully dog you must ensure it is:
- microchipped
- kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
- kept in a secure place so it cannot escape.
You will also need to have your dog neutered. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024.
We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.
I’m not sure if my dog is an XL Bully
The government has published a definition of an XL Bully. If your dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in this definition, it may be included in the ban – even if not described as an XL Bully when sold/given to you. If you’re still unsure after checking the definition, your vet may be able to help.
I’m thinking about getting an XL Bully
From 31 December 2023, it became illegal for someone to sell or give you an XL Bully. Our updated pet policy covers customers who already own an XL Bully. We will not give permission for someone to introduce an XL Bully into their home after 31 December 2023.
