American XL Bully dogs set to be banned in England and Wales as date confirmed

The UK Government has announced that XLs will be added to the list of banned dogs in England and Wales with a date set for next year.

The ban means current XL owners will still be able to keep their pet, but from January next year it will be compulsory for the breed of dog to be muzzled and on a lead when in public.

XL Bully owners are advised to train their dogs to get used to leads and muzzles as soon as possible.

A longer deadline is in place for owners to ensure their dog is also neutered.

From the end of this year (December 31st) it will be against the law to sell, abandon, breed from or give away an American bully XL, or have one in public without a lead or muzzle in England and Wales.

From February 1st 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog that is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs – which to do so will cost £92.40.

This means police will be able to take away any XLs which aren’t registered, regardless of whether or not a complaint of dangerous behaviour has been made against them.

Owners will also have to have their dogs microchipped as well as neutered and registered.

The move comes after a number of attacks around the UK involving the breed, where some people have been left seriously injured, traumatised and even killed.

Despite this, many dog owners insist XLs make for loveable pets.

Following a spate of attacks Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced there will be a ban on XL Bully dogs by the end of the year. 

After his announcement, owners were left wondering whether they may be forced to have their beloved pets put down. 

However, the latest announcement has made it clear this will not necessarily be the case with  guidance being similar to that issued for the four breeds which were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro.

The Government has set out an official definition as for what counts for the considered dangerous breed of dog, as now defined by law. The new guidance does not currently apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland.

However, if Scottish ministers agree then the ban would extend to Scotland. In Northern Ireland, a separate set of legislation would be needed for a ban on XL Bully dogs to be applied there.