As a country of animal lovers, I know that this is an incredibly sensitive issue, and I understand the strength of feeling on all sides. On one hand, we have a responsibility to maintain public safety, on the other, I recognise that XL Bullies are much loved family pets.
Given the increase in dog attacks in recent years, with the XL Bully disproportionately involved in this rise, it is important that Ministers give the police the right powers to deal with such incidents. XL Bully dogs are large, muscular animals, which can be unpredictable and uncontrollable, so the actions that Ministers are taking will help the police reduce the risk to the public. This includes adding XL Bully breed types to the list of breeds prohibited by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
From 31 December 2023, all owners of XL Bully breed types must comply with strict conditions. Breeding, selling, exchanging, gifting, abandoning or allowing these dogs to stray will be banned. Further, owners who wish to legally keep their dogs have until 31 January 2024 to register their dog on the Index of Exempted dogs. They will receive a Certificate of Exemption and will need to comply with the requirements of the Index, including that all dogs on the Index must be neutered (there is a longer deadline to allow for younger dogs to be safely neutered). Owners must hold public liability insurance and ensure that it is microchipped, kept on a lead, muzzled in public, and kept in a secure place so it cannot escape. Further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
The transition period for owners to apply for an exemption is now open and application forms can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog.
As part of these measures, the definition of the XL Bully breed has also been published, following meetings of an expert group, made up of police, local authority, vets and other animal welfare experts. This aims to provide a clear assessment criteria for owners and enforcement authorities and is a requirement under the Dangerous Dogs Act so the ban can be delivered. Dog owners should use this official definition to check if their dog is an XL Bully. I understand that it is up to the owner or keeper to self-identify whether a dog may be an XL Bully. To check if a dog is an XL Bully, owners need to check the dog’s physical characteristics such as its size and height. The full definition can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has recommended taking a precautionary approach. Therefore, if an owner is not sure if their dog is an XL Bully, they should prepare for the ban on the XL Bully. This applies to puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully.
However, I do firmly believe that it is also the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is well trained and not a risk to the public. Therefore, I will be raising constituents’ concerns, including concerns about the breed classification, with my ministerial colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This will ensure that Ministers are aware of the strength of feeling about this issue, and I hope will lead to future Government action also considering the responsibility of the owner.
Please be assured that I do understand the importance of striking the right balance between ensuring the public is safe from dog attacks, while also encouraging responsible dog ownership.