XL Bully Ban in the UK: What You Need to Know
There are restrictions on owning an American Bully XL in parts of the UK like England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the Republic of Ireland joining later this year. These rules aim to keep both you and your dog safe and together. To help owners, there is a full programme offering support like muzzle training, behaviour advice, microchipping, and neutering guidance, along with information on third party insurance.
I know it can be a difficult time with so much information to understand and follow. It’s important to check your local Government website for the latest rules and guidance in your area. This will help you navigate the changes and keep your beloved dog safe and happy under these new laws. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to handle the restrictions and enjoy your time with your American Bully XL.
Table of Contents
Owning an American Bully XL Dog in England and Wales
If you want to own an American Bully XL in England or Wales, you must have a certificate of exemption. This certificate is very important because it makes owning the dog legal. To get this certificate, you need to contact your local police force for advice and apply for an exemption. This step helps you follow the legal requirements and avoid any trouble.
For dogs that were between seven months and 12 months old on 31 January 2024, it is now mandatory to have them neutered. After neutering, you need to send a confirmation to Defra. If Defra asks for proof of insurance, you have five working days to provide it. They accept documents like the Companion Club welcome letter or the renewal letter as proof. Keeping these rules in mind helps you stay in compliance and ensures your pet is safe and legal to own.
Upcoming deadlines to be aware of:
One important date to remember is 30 June 2025. By this deadline, any dog that was less than 7 months old on 31 January 2024 must be neutered. Owners need to send the confirmation of this neutering to Defra to stay within the rules. This is a key step for anyone owning an American Bully XL in England or Wales.
It’s crucial to stay informed about all the ban details and requirements to ensure you and your dog are following the law. If you haven’t done so yet, check the latest information on the ban in your area to avoid any problems later on. Being prepared before the deadline will help keep your furry friend safe and legal.
Owning an American Bully XL dog in Northern Ireland
Owning an American Bully XL dog in Northern Ireland comes with strict rules. It is illegal to have one without a certificate of exemption. If you want to keep your dog legally, you must apply for this certificate by contacting your local police force. They will guide you through the process and give you the right advice to stay compliant.
These rules are important to keep both you and your dog safe. Following them helps avoid fines or having your dog taken away. Make sure you understand the laws and act on time to protect your furry friend and yourself. Remember, getting the exemption is the only way to legally own an American Bully XL in Northern Ireland.
Upcoming deadlines to be aware of:
Keeping up with upcoming deadlines is very important if you own an American Bully XL dog in the UK. For example, by 30 June 2025, your dog must be neutered and you need to send evidence of this to your local council. This is part of the ban rules that help keep both owners and dogs safe. Missing these deadlines could lead to problems with the law, so it’s key to stay informed and act on time.
The ban affects many regions, including Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, and each area has specific rules and deadlines. To avoid confusion, always check your local council’s website for the latest information and requirements. Staying organized with paperwork like your dog’s neutering certificate and any other proof will make this process smoother. Remember, following these rules is not just about law but also about responsible dog ownership.
Owning an American Bully XL dog in the Republic of Ireland
Owning an American Bully XL dog in the Republic of Ireland will change soon. From 1 February 2025, it will be illegal to own one without a certificate of exemption. This means you must apply and get official permission to keep your dog legally.
If you have or want an American Bully XL, be sure to check the rules carefully and follow the process. It’s important to stay updated so you don’t face problems. Getting your certificate of exemption is the key to owning your dog safely and legally in the Republic of Ireland. Stay informed and take action before the deadline.
Upcoming deadlines to be aware of:
The key date to remember is 1 February 2025, when it becomes illegal to own an American Bully XL dog in the Republic of Ireland without a valid certificate of exemption. This means if you have this breed, you must get the proper papers to stay within the law. Being aware of this deadline helps you avoid any trouble and ensures you are following the new ban rules closely.
If you’re an owner or thinking about getting an American Bully XL, it’s a good idea to check official government sources for the latest updates. Staying informed will help you manage the necessary paperwork and make sure your furry friend stays safe and legal. Remember, understanding these deadlines is part of responsible dog ownership, especially with important rules like these coming into effect soon.
Owning an American Bully XL Dog in Scotland
If you want to own an American Bully XL dog in Scotland, you must have a certificate of exemption. It is illegal to keep one without this certificate. If you don’t have one yet, you need to apply for an exemption. For help, contact your local police force for the right advice and steps to follow.
The process might feel confusing at first, but getting the proper exemption ensures you and your dog stay safe and within the law. Remember, following these rules is important to keep your American Bully XL dog happy and secure while enjoying life in Scotland.
Upcoming Deadlines to Be Aware Of
If your dog is 18 months or older by 31 January 2025, it must be neutered, and the confirmation form sent to the Scottish Government. For dogs younger than 18 months, the form needs to be submitted by 31 January 2025 or within one month after the dog turns 18 months—whichever comes later. These deadlines are important to follow to stay within the law and avoid any penalties.
Understanding these key dates helps owners stay prepared for the XL Bully ban and ensures that their dogs remain legal in Scotland. Always keep track of your dog’s age and submit the required forms on time. For more details on the ban and how to apply for an exemption, checking official Scottish Government guidance is a smart move.
Third-party public liability Insurance for owners of banned breed types
Owning a banned breed means you must have third-party public liability insurance to protect yourself if your dog causes damage or injury. Our Companion Club offers this insurance, covering banned breeds registered on the Index of Exempted dogs, managed by Defra. You can join the Companion Club anytime by paying a yearly fee of £25. This insurance provides up to £1 million per claim, with an excess of £200 in the UK and £500 in the Republic of Ireland.
To keep your claim valid, you must have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog at the time of any incident. The insurance only covers dogs that are your pets at home—not breeders, businesses, or organizations. If you don’t have this certificate, the insurance won’t cover any claims. Your insurance starts once your payment clears, and you will receive a policy number and welcome email from the Companion Club with all details.
XL bully ban explained
The government has made it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow XL bully type dogs to stray in England and Wales. Owners must have a certificate of exemption and follow additional restrictions like keeping their dog on a lead, wearing a muzzle in public, ensuring the dog is neutered, and having third party liability insurance. These rules help keep communities safe while allowing responsible ownership.
In Scotland, from 23 February 2024, the same rules apply. It is an offence to breed, sell, abandon, or give away XL bully type dogs. When outside, owners must keep their dog on a lead and ensure it wears a muzzle. These measures are important to manage the safety risks related to XL bully types and protect everyone.
I Own an XL Bully: What You Need to Know
If you own an XL bully, it’s important to follow the rules to keep your dog safe and avoid problems. You must have a certificate of exemption and ensure your dog is microchipped and neutered before the deadlines. Always keep your bully on a lead and muzzled when in public places, including cars. Your dog should be kept in a secure place so it cannot escape. You also need third party public liability insurance to cover any incidents. Remember, you have to be at least 16 years old to own or walk an XL bully.
You must tell Defra if you move address, except for a permitted 30 days when your dog can stay at another address within a 12 month period. Also, inform them if your dog is exported to another country or if your dog passes away. Following these steps will help you keep your XL bully safe and legal while enjoying time together.
I’m worried my puppy might look like an XL bully type?
Entities, specifications, XL bully type, puppy, illegal, sell, rehome, government, precautionary approach, Defra, advice, dog, exempted, type, concern, broad, more information, contact, now, fall, recommendations, direct, further, concern, legal, rules, owner, responsibility, classification, control, regulation, pet, ownership, legal status, guidance, enforcement, dog breed, classification criteria, authorities, compliance, monitoring, dog type, breed standards, government regulations, legal measures, risk, safety, public protection, oversight, animal control, regulations, legislation, criteria, legal restrictions, official advice, government agency, puppy classification, pet laws, dog owners, regulatory framework, public safety, breed type, classification guidelines, legal responsibilities, animal welfare, regulatory compliance, dog identification, dog exemption.
Applying for exemption
Owning an XL Bully that is on the banned list means you must follow a specific exemption process. Since the government’s XL Bully exemption scheme has ended, owners now need to go to court to prove that their dog is not a danger to the public. This legal step is essential to show that your dog can be safely kept and cared for without causing harm or risk.
The court will look for clear legal proof and evidence that your dog does not pose a threat. It’s important to understand that this is part of the legal procedure for banned breeds, and only after successfully proving your case will you get an official exemption. This process helps protect everyone, including the dog owners, the public, and the dogs themselves, by ensuring all safety rules are followed carefully.
If you have applied for a certificate but not received it
If you have applied for a certificate of exemption but have not yet received it, don’t worry. You can show evidence that you’ve applied to prove you are following the rules. Sometimes, Defra can help you complete your application if you made a mistake or missed a step. For example, if you paid the fee but didn’t send the application by midday on 31 January 2024, or if you sent the application on time but did not pay the fee, there might still be a way to fix it.
If you think there is an error like an incorrect payment reference number, you can contact breeddogg.com for support. Make sure to provide your name, postcode, and the name of your dog so they can help you better. This way, you can be sure your application gets the attention it needs while you wait for your certificate.
Can my dog leave the exemption scheme?
If you applied for exemption as a precautionary approach, the government has confirmed there will be a way for your dog to leave the exemption scheme. This means it is possible to exit the scheme if you no longer want to be part of it.
As of February 2025, more details from Defra are expected about this process. Keep in mind, if you decide to leave the exemption scheme, it is unlikely your fee will be refunded. So, it’s important to think carefully before making this decision.
Are XL Bullies banned in the UK?
Yes, XL Bully dogs are banned in the UK. The ban started on 1 February 2024 in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It is illegal to own, breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or let XL Bully dogs stray unless they have a Certificate of Exemption and are on the Index of Exempted Dogs. In Scotland, the ban began on 23 February 2024, and in Northern Ireland, it started on 1 January 2025.
Can you insure an XL Bully in the UK?
You can insure an XL Bully only if it has a Certificate of Exemption and is on the Index of Exempted Dogs. It is mandatory to have third-party public liability insurance for these exempted dogs. Some insurance providers, like Dogs Trust and Agria Pet Insurance, offer policies that cover veterinary fees and liability insurance for exempted XL Bullies. If your dog is not exempted, most insurance companies will not cover it.
What is an XL Bully in the UK?
An XL Bully is a type of American Bully known for its muscular body and blocky head. Male XL Bullies are usually at least 20 inches (51 cm) tall at the shoulders, and females at least 19 inches (48 cm). The breed is not recognized by the UK Kennel Club and is considered a crossbreed. The UK government has banned XL Bullies because of concerns about their strength and potential aggression.
What to do if your neighbour has an XL Bully?
If your neighbour owns an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption, it is illegal. You should report this to your local police by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Give as much detail as you can about the dog’s appearance and behaviour to help the authorities handle the situation properly.