THE RSPCA is reminding XL Bully owners in England and Wales who want to exempt their dogs under the new law that they have just two weeks left to apply online.
The UK Government has set a deadline of noon on Wednesday January 31 2024 for online applications, and XL Bullies who have not been exempted by this date will be illegal to own and a criminal offence.
Owners of XL Bullies in England and Wales can apply for exemption on the UK Government website.
There is a fee of £92.40 per dog and a requirement to have third party public liability insurance for banned breeds.
This type of insurance is available via the Dogs Trust companion club and information is on its website.
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “It is so important that if owners expect that their dog is an XL Bully that they start the exemption process as soon as possible.
“Although the first part of the ban came in on 31 December 2023 which includes the requirement for XL Bullies to be muzzled and on a lead in a public place, existing owners have until noon on January 31 to apply for the exemption which allows them to legally keep their dog so that they are safe.
“We’re urging XL Bully owners to start the exemption process now and not to leave it too late.
“Whilst there are ongoing legal challenges, we don’t know when these will take place or what the outcome will be but as it stands. From 1 February, XL Bully owners will need to have a certificate of exemption to legally keep them.”
If XL Bully owners do not have a certificate of exemption, their dog will be illegal which means that owners could get a criminal record, their dog could be seized, put to sleep and they could face an unlimited fine.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog for more information.