2024 XL Bully dogs ban guidance

Following a rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

If you own an XL Bully dog or puppy you need to comply with all the new requirements for this breed of dog. Even if you are not 100% sure if your dog is an XL Bully, the government is recommending that a precautionary approach is taken and that you also comply with the new requirements:

From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:

• Sell an XL Bully dog
• Abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
• Give away an XL Bully dog
• Breed from an XL Bully dog
• Have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless the dog has a Certificate of Exemption.

If you wish to keep you XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024.  If you successfully secure an Exemption Certificate for your dog, you need to let us know to ensure that our records are up to date. When we receive your certificate of exemption, we will confirm this in writing to you and outline our expectations, which will include securing your dog during any visits from Platform colleagues.

You can do this by completing our online enquiry form here or calling our Customer Hub on 0333 200 73045.

Find out more

Further information is available on our website here.  We also have further advice in our ASB Toolkit 

The government has a section on their website sharing how you can prepare for the ban and apply for a Certificate of Exemption – www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs