XL Bully type has been added to the list of dogs banned under Dangerous Dogs Act.

This means that from 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal. Also from 31 December 2023 XL Bully dogs must be muzzled and on a lead in public.

We also announced that from 1 February 2024 it will also become illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs. We are not accepting applications for Certificates of Exemption yet. Further details on how to apply to keep your dog will be provided soon.

Guidance for owners as well as the breed definition were also published yesterday.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.

“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”