| Government gives XL Bully reassurance
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Issue: 24/11/2023
The government has confirmed that 'established breeds' will not fall into the scope of the XL Bully ban.
There were concerns, after the government published its definition of an XL Bully, that some pedigree breeds could fall within the type. It will be up to the owner or keeper to identify whether they think their dog may be in scope of the ban.
In its updated guidance the government says, 'The ban only applies to XL Bully dogs. There are other established breeds, such as those recognised by the UK Kennel Club, that may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type. These are not within scope of the ban.'
However, they also say, 'Defra recommends taking a precautionary approach. If you're not sure if your dog is an XL Bully, you should prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs.'
In the guidance it says, 'A suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the physical description perfectly. If your dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the official definition, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.
SCOPE
'If you think your dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in the official definition, your dog may be in scope of the ban. This includes if it was not sold as an XL Bully.
'Enforcement officers should use the PDF version of the official definition of an XL Bully dog. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully.'
It has been commented online that the picture used by Defra as an example of an XL Bully could be confused with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Campaigners have often pointed out that a major problem with the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) is that it is up to the discretion of enforcement officers to decide if a dog is a banned breed. This has led, they argue, to dogs being put down who were perfectly safe.
It is now possible to apply for a certificate of exemption which will cost £92.40 and owners will also have to apply for third party insurance for banned breeds.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: 'The transition period for XL Bully dogs has now started. It is important that XL Bully owners read the guidance and take all the necessary steps.
'This includes applying for a certificate of exemption if you want to keep your dog and ensuring they are muzzle trained by the end of the year, as your dog will need to be muzzled and on a lead in public after 31 December 2023.
'XL breeders should have also now stopped breeding their dogs and I would advise all owners to make an appointment with your vet to get your XL bully neutered as soon as possible.'
The new guidance does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland. If Scottish ministers agree, then the ban will be applied in Scotland. In Northern Ireland a ban on an American bully XL would require a separate change to legislation, either by a sitting Assembly and Executive or through an intervention by the Northern Ireland secretary.
The Dog Control Coalition, which includes Battersea, Blue Cross, the Dogs Trust, BVA, the Scottish SPCA, the Kennel Club and Hope Rescue, has said that breed-specific bans have been proven to be ineffective.
To see the new guidance - https://bit.ly/3uq6G2b
To apply for an exemption certificate - https://bit.ly/47zESa5
