XL Bully ban

DEFRA have announced a ban on both the:

  • breeding of XL Bully type dogs
  • sale of all XL Bully type dogs

This came into effect on 1 January 2024.

Exemptions

Owners that already have one of these dogs can apply for an exemption certificate from the Government to keep your dog.

To comply, you will need to:

  1. have had your dog neutered
  2. have had your dog microchipped
  3. have third party insurance
  4. keep your dog on a lead and muzzled in a public place (this includes your car)
  5. keep your dog in a secured place so it cannot escape

Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.

From 1 January 2024 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

Additional information

If you are not sure if your dog is an XL Bully type, then please have a read through the official definition.

Advice on training your dog to wear a muzzle can be found through the:

There is also a compensation scheme running if you decide that you have no choice but to euthanise your XL Bully.

Go to top