What is an XL bully and is the dog breed illegal in the UK?
XL Bully dog owners have until January 31 to apply for an exemption.
From February 1, 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own the breed in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
What is the definition of an XL Bully?
The American Bully got recognition as a breed from US United Kennel Club in 2013.
It's been called a "natural extension" of the better-known American Pit Bull Terrier.
The muscular dogs have been crossbred with other breeds including English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs, and American Bulldogs.
If you see a large dog tied up, please be very careful when you approach it.”
Dr Pattinson
XL is referring the the dog's size category, of which there are four: pocket, standard, classic and XL.
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XL's tend to be around 33-50cm in height and weigh in at 20-60kg.
Are XL bullies illegal in the UK?
Yes, the American Bully XL is banned in the UK.
It comes after Home Secretary Suella Braverman revealed she wanted to outlaw the breed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a video posted on X, formally known as Twitter: "These dogs are dangerous and I want to reassure the public we will take all the necessary steps to keep them safe."
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Changes in the law will be phased in over several months starting from December 31, 2023.
The new rules will make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.
From the end of 2023, owners will be required to muzzle their dogs.
Under the laws which were laid in Parliament on October 31, it will also be illegal to own an XL bully from February 1, 2024, unless it is on a list of exempted dogs.
The new guidance does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland.
Since 2021, the breed has been responsible for more than 70% of all dog-related deaths in the UK.
Suella Braverman commissioned urgent advice on the breed following another attack on a child that happened on September 9, 2023.
Writing on social media following the incident, Braverman said: “This is appalling. This is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children. We can’t go on like this.
"I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.”
The following breeds have been banned in the UK:
How much does an XL bully cost?
The price of a dog can vary considerably, depending on who you buy from, colour and gender.
Other factors that affect this include the rarity of the breed, whether you're looking to buy a popular crossbreed or a purebred, and if the dog has been trained in advance.
The price of puppies soared during national Covid lockdowns in the UK and it was reported in June 2021 that prices had quadrupled, as lockdown supercharged the demand for furry friends.
Prices for American Bully XLs will vary, but they're not cheap.
Pups are on sale for between £650 and £3,000 on the selling platform Forever Puppy.
From December 31, 2023, it is now illegal to rehome, sell, or buy the breed.
In an attempt to get rid of the hounds ahead of the deadline, online adverts were scattered with the words "now reduced" and "price drop".
Hundreds of the dogs were put up for sale online, with some having a price tag of less than £100.
American XL Bully Exemption Rules
Owners have been reminded that they can ask a vet to euthanize their pets and claim £200 compensation.
However, if you want to keep your dog after the ban comes into place, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
You will have until 31 January 2024 to apply for this exemption.
There will be a £92.40 application fee, to cover administration costs.
As stated on the Gov website, 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
- Third-party public liability insurance
- You’ll also need to provide evidence your dog has been neutered.
Will I have to keep my XL Bully on a lead?
After December 31, 2023, you must ensure your dog wears a muzzle and is kept on a lead when in a public place.
It is recommended that any owners of XL Bully have already started to train their dogs to wear muzzles before the deadline.
There are a range of free online learning opportunities to support owners in muzzle training their dogs.
Can I sell my XL Bully?
It will be illegal to rehome, sell, buy or transfer ownership of the dog to another person from December 31, 2023.
If you are worried that someone is trying to sell you an XL Bully after this date, it is advised that you visit the Petfished website to be sure of how to spot the signs of a deceitful pet seller.
Dangerous Dogs Act explained
After eleven horrific attacks in 1991, Home Secretary Kenneth Baker promised “to rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs” by introducing the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The law is often considered controversial as it focuses on a dog’s breed or looks instead of an individual dog’s behaviour, and fails to stem the rise of dog attacks.
According to the RSPCA, over a third of the people killed by dogs since the act was brought in were attacked by legal breeds.
Will I be able to breed my XL Bully?
After December 31, 2023, it will be a criminal offence to breed XL Bully dogs.
This includes:
- breeding from an XL Bully dog
- allowing for an XL Bully dog to be bred from any combination of other dogs
However, it won't be an offence to allow a litter of puppies that have already been conceived to be born.
It is highly recommended that XL Bully Breeders stop all breeding activity now.
If you purchased a puppy before 31 December 2023, and it is less than eight weeks old, you will be able to collect it legally.
Will I have to neuter my XL Bully?
You will be required to neuter your XL Bully.
If your dog is less than one year old on January 31, 2024, it must be neutered by December 31, 2024.
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If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024.
It is recommended that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet the deadlines.