Certificate of Exemption
In line with new government legalisation, all XL Bully owners must now have a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog. This must be signed by a registered Veterinary Surgeon. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog
In order to obtain one of these certificates your dog must be neutered and have specific pet insurance taken out via The Dogs Trust https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/membership. Below are more details on the key dates and the information you need to know.
From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal. From this date these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.
We will be offering one 30 minute free of charge muzzle clinic with our behavioural specialist nurse in our Hook Norton branch.
These clinics would include:
Any subsequent appointments would be £15 for a 15 minute appointment.
Blue cross guidance on muzzle training –http://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/behaviour-and-training/dogs-and-muzzle-training
If a dog is less than one year old on 31st January 2024, it must be neutered by 31stDecember 2024. If a dog is older than one year on January 31st 2024, it must be neutered by 30th June 2024. There will be a form that we need to complete to confirm that the dog has been neutered. Please note that neutering is required as part of the exemption criteria and all dogs must be microchipped.
XL Bully owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption which is currently £92.40. From 1 February 2024 , it will then become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. From 1 February 2024, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized.
Please check the government website for updates: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs#muzzles-and-leads
Owners must take out insurance against your dog injuring other people which is known as a third-party insurance. The Dogs Trust currently offers this insurance as part of their membership which is £25 per year. However, this is subject to change so check the website for regular updates, and familiarise yourself with the policy documents: http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/membership
Owners may choose to have their dog put to sleep by a vet, with £200 compensation provided to help with these costs. Further details on how to apply for compensation and the evidence required to make a claim will be provided soon. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act it is up to the Police (not veterinary surgeons) to decide if a dog fits the type and should be deemed dangerous.
Useful resources for owners:
Blue Cross – https://bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/wellbeing-and-care/xl-bully-ban-explained
PDSA – https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/xl-bully-ban-what-does-the-announcemnet-mean-for-me
Dogs Trust – https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/at-home/american-bully-xl
Please speak to our Hook Norton Veterinary branch pet reception if you have any queries on 01608 730501
