The UK bully ban update is now fully enforced, making it a criminal offence to own, sell, breed, or transfer one without a valid Certificate of Exemption. This controversial decision was made due to the breed’s alleged involvement in a rising number of dog attacks. The government’s strict regulations aim to control ownership while police and animal welfare groups continue to raise concerns about enforcement and public safety.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates, legal requirements, and the ongoing debate surrounding the UK bully ban update.
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XL Bully Ban: What’s Illegal?
Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without an exemption. It is also illegal to:
- Sell, give away, or abandon an XL Bully
- Breed from an XL Bully
- Have an XL Bully in public without a muzzle and lead
Applications for exemption have closed. If you do not have a Certificate of Exemption, you must contact your local police force.
If You Have a Certificate of Exemption
For those who registered their dogs, strict conditions apply. Failure to comply will result in the certificate being revoked, and the dog may be seized. Owners must:
- Keep the dog at the registered address (temporary relocation is allowed for up to 30 days per year)
- Notify Defra of a permanent change of address, the dog’s death, or exportation
- Have third-party public liability insurance and provide proof upon request
- Keep the dog muzzled and on a lead in public places
- Prevent the dog from escaping by ensuring secure housing
- Provide police or local authorities access to verify the dog’s microchip and exemption certificate
Failure to meet these requirements voids the exemption. The dog can then be seized and potentially destroyed.
Mandatory Third-Party Insurance
To legally keep an XL Bully under an exemption, third-party public liability insurance is required. Dogs Trust Membership provides this, but owners may use other insurers as long as policies cover:
- Injury or death caused by the dog
- The specific prohibited breed classification under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Owners no longer need to submit annual proof of insurance to Defra, but they must produce evidence within five days if requested.
Neutering Deadlines
To keep an XL Bully under exemption, it must be neutered. The deadlines depend on the dog’s age as of 31 January 2024:
- 12 months or older → Neutering deadline: 30 June 2024 (Proof submission: 26 July 2024)
- 7–12 months old → Neutering deadline: 31 December 2024
- Less than 7 months old → Neutering deadline: 30 June 2025
Dogs not neutered by the deadline lose their exemption. Owners must notify Defra once the procedure is complete.
Microchipping Requirements
All exempt XL Bully dogs must be microchipped. If a dog was under 8 weeks old at the time of exemption application, owners had until 31 March 2024 to send the microchip details to Defra.
Dogs medically unfit for microchipping required a veterinary certificate by 31 March 2024.
What Happens If You Break the Law?
- Owners without an exemption face up to six months in prison and unlimited fines.
- Unregistered dogs will be seized and likely destroyed unless the court grants an exemption.
- If an owner fails to comply with exemption rules, the dog’s certificate is invalidated.
Stray & Abandoned XL Bullies
- It is illegal to abandon an XL Bully or allow it to stray.
- Found a stray? Report it to your local council immediately.
Buying, Selling & Rehoming
- It is illegal to sell, buy, or transfer ownership of an XL Bully.
- Rehoming organisations cannot accept XL Bullies or place them in new homes.
Compensation for Euthanasia Has Ended
Owners who chose to euthanise their XL Bully were eligible for government compensation, but the deadline for claims closed on 15 March 2024.
Veterinary professionals were allowed to confirm euthanasia for these cases but were not required to report XL Bully owners to the police.
Why Was the Ban Introduced?
The government claimed that XL Bullies were disproportionately responsible for fatal attacks. In 2023-24, NHS England recorded over 11,000 hospital admissions for dog bites. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported seven deaths caused by dog attacks, but this is likely an underestimation.
The UK government identified XL Bullies using height and muscular build characteristics, rather than a specific breed standard.
Rising Police Costs & Enforcement Issues
Police forces have struggled with enforcing the ban. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reported:
- 4,586 suspected banned dogs seized in eight months after the ban
- £25 million spent on enforcement, kennelling, and vet costs – a 500% rise since 2018
- Over 100 dogs per month destroyed since February 2024
Are XL Bullies Banned in Scotland & Northern Ireland?
Yes, but with different timelines:
- Scotland: The ban started on 23 February 2024. Exemption applications closed on 31 July 2024.
- Northern Ireland: Dogs must be muzzled and on a lead in public since 5 July 2024. The deadline for exemption applications was 31 December 2024.
Breaking the law in Scotland or Northern Ireland results in six months imprisonment and fines up to £5,000.
The Controversy: Why Some Groups Oppose the Ban
Animal charities, including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and The Kennel Club, argue the ban is ineffective and unfair to responsible owners.
Their concerns include:
- Lack of accurate data on XL Bullies’ role in attacks
- Breed-specific legislation (BSL) failing to reduce dog attacks
- Mass euthanasia of healthy dogs due to ownership restrictions
- Police forces struggling with enforcement costs
Instead of breed bans, campaigners are urging the government to focus on responsible dog ownership, proper training, and stricter penalties for negligent owners.
What’s Next?
The UK government and animal welfare groups continue debating whether the Dangerous Dogs Act needs reform. Critics argue that punishing specific breeds does not tackle irresponsible ownership, while supporters say the ban is necessary for public safety.
With thousands of XL Bullies still legally owned under exemptions, future policy changes could determine their fate.
📌 Stay informed: If you own an XL Bully, ensure compliance with all exemption rules to avoid fines or seizure.
💬 Do you think the UK bully ban update is effective? Let us know in the comments!
