On Tuesday 31^st October, the government announced that it will be a criminal offence in England and Wales to own an XL Bully type dog from 1 February 2024 unless you have an exemption.

At Mayhew, we are deeply saddened by a number of recent attacks involving American Bully XL dogs and our hearts go out to those affected. As you may be aware, in mid-September, the government announced an impending ban on American Bully XL and on 31 October, the government released guidance on how the ban will come into effect.

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully type dog in England and Wales unless the owner has a Certificate of Exemption for the dog. Owners will have until 31 January 2024 to apply for this exemption.

To keep an American Bully XL dog, owners must ensure the dog is microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public and the dog must be kept in a secure place so he/she cannot escape.

If the dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, he/she must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If the dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, he/she must be neutered by 30 June 2024. Legal owners of XL Bully dogs must also be over 16 years of age, have insurance through Dogs Trust Membership and be able to provide the Certificate of Exemption when requested.

We understand that the government’s recent announcement of a ban on American Bully XLs will be greatly concerning to owners, and Mayhew is not in support of breed-specific legislation.

While we understand and sympathise with these worries, we urge owners to continue caring for their dogs and not to take drastic action, such as abandoning them.

You can find the government guidance on the ban of XL Bully dogs here.

Pet owners who have concerns about their pet’s behaviour should seek professional advice from a qualified positive reinforcement trainer or behaviourist. Here is one resource that may be helpful: https://abtc.org.uk/.

Neuter, microchip and vaccinate

We urge all dog owners – whether it is an American Bully XL or any other type or breed – to neuter, microchip and vaccinate their pets. These are important preventative services to ensure a dog’s health and wellbeing. Mayhew may be able to help by providing these services free of charge.

If you own an XL Bully type dog and it is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 December 2024. Owners will need to provide evidence of this by this date to keep their exemption.

Muzzle training

As of 31 December 2023, all XL Bully type dogs will be required to wear a muzzle in public. Owners of these dogs should start to muzzle train their pet sooner rather later. When introducing a muzzle to a dog, it is best to do so gradually and with plenty of positive reinforcement so the dog feels comfortable. Advice on introducing a muzzle can be found here.

As the owner, you must also:

• be over 16 years old
• be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days