American Bully Ban

by | Oct 9, 2023 | Public Resource | 0 comments

DO YOU OWN OR POSSESS A DOG?

YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CHECK IF YOUR DOG FITS THE GOVERNMENT DESCRIPTION OF AN XL BULLY DOG TYPE,

EVEN IF IT WAS NOT BOUGHT AS AN XL BULLY

1. Time is critical.  There is a limited period for you to act.  Failure to do so could mean your dog is seized and/or you commit criminal offences

2. From 31 December 2023 the “XL Bully type dog” will be classed as a ‘dog bred for fighting’ and it will be an offence to breed, or breed from, sell, exchange, offer, advertise or expose such a dog for sale or exchange, make or offer to make a gift of such a dog or advertise or expose such a dog as a gift, allow it to stray, abandon it, or allow it to be in a public place without being muzzled and kept on a lead

3. From 01 February 2024 it will be an offence to be in possession of an XL Bully type of dog unless it has been exempted under particular provisions. After this date, exemption can only be through a court process where you and your dog will be assessed by the court.

4. From now until  31 January 2024 you can apply to the Index of Exempted Dogs for an exemption certificate.  This is your responsibility.  The Local Authority and Police are not responsible for assessing your dog or applying for an exemption.

5. Assess:

    • Look at the official definition of an XL Bully dog
    • Check your dog’s physical characteristics such as its size, and height, and appearance, against the definition
    • DEFRA recommends that if you are not sure if you have a dog that will fall under the new definition of an XL Bully dog type (or you have puppies that may grow up to be like this) you should comply with all the new requirement

6. Act:

    • If you decide not to keep your dog after 31/12/2023, you cannot simply rehome it or take it to a shelter or sanctuary or rehoming centre – you should take it to a registered vet to be euthanised – you can claim £200 compensation (or £100 if you are a rehoming shelter in possession of such a dog) towards the costs – you and your vet will need to fill in a compensation form to make a claim
    • If you decide to keep your dog, the initial requirements are: 1) You must be over 16 years of age; 2) You must apply for a certificate of exemption here; 3) There is a fee of £92.40 payable to the Index – this must be paid in full to obtain a certificate; 4) Microchip your dog (it is already a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped anyway); 5) Insure your dog against third party risks (contact Dogs Trust for details as specific insurance is required for prohibited breeds)

7. Neuter:

      • If your dog is over 12 months old as at 31 January 2024 you will have to neuter the dog by 30 June 2024
      • If your dog is under 12 months as at 31 January 2024 you will have until 31 December 2024 to neuter your dog
      • Proof of neutering will need to be obtained by your vet submitting this to DEFRA

8. Continuing obligations:

    • Keep on a lead and muzzled at all times when in a public place
    • Keep in a secure place to prevent its escape
    • Be able to show your certificate of exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden, at the time or within 5 days

 

9. This is information to ensure you are aware of the changes in legislation.  Further details are provided by the government here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs

 

10. We recommend that dog owners also commit to the following steps, both in preparation for the proposed legislation and as a matter of general good practice:

  1. Exercise appropriate control of your dog at all times, both in public and in your own home. 
  2. Supervise your dog adequately AT ALL TIMES when children are present.
  3. Teach any children who may come into contact with your dog how to interact more safely with dogs. The free online resources below and other resources on our website may be useful.
    How to approach a dog | Blue Cross
    Keeping your dog and visiting children safe | Blue Cross
  4. Consider some additional training for your dog via a suitably qualified trainer. There are some useful resources below, including discounted community-based training from Dogs Trust.
    Dog & Puppy Training – How To Train Your Dog | Dogs Trust
    Supporting owners with discounted behaviour training | Dogs Trust
  5. Consider muzzle training your dog now. This video Dogs and muzzle training | Blue Cross is a useful starting point, you may also wish to seek additional advice from a trainer. Dogs Trust are also providing a free webinar about muzzle training an XL Bully https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/learn-how-to-muzzle-train-your-xl-bully-with-dogs-trusts-experts-tickets-722834466347
  6. Ensure that your property and boundaries are sufficient to prevent your dog from straying.
  7. Ensure that your dog’s microchip details are up to date and that your dog wears collar and tag which comply with existing legal requirements for all dogs.

Finally, Dogs Trust have created a useful video about what support is available for XL Bully owners.