AFTER much debate and a string of recent attacks, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed American XL Bully Dogs will be banned in the UK.
The PM announced the breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
What is an American XL Bully?
American XL Bullys are said to have originated in the US in the late 1980s and are mixed-breed, comprising the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier.
Pit bull terriers were banned in the UK in 1991 after a series of attacks.
Three other dog breeds are also banned in the UK: Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
Underground breeders have been able to mix legal pit bulls with other dogs.
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A Sun on Sunday probe in early 2023 found canines being offered for as much as £2,500 online.
Campaign group Bully Watch UK has documented over 350 attacks by this breed in 2023 alone.
When will the American XL Bully dogs be banned?
XL bully dogs will be BANNED in Britain from December 31 this year, ministers confirmed today.
New laws prohibiting the killer breed were formally laid in Parliament today under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
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Anyone who defies the ban faces up to 14 years behind bars.
They could also be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs may be euthanised.
Under the strict legislation breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.
From February 1 2024 it will also become illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
What will happen once the American XL Bully breed is banned in the UK?
Mr Sunak has ordered officials to work on defining the dangerous breed so it can be banned under the existing Dangerous Dogs Act.
This means it will be illegal to own an American XL Bully in the UK, and legal action will be taken against anyone who has one.
Existing XL Bullies have been given an amnesty, but from December 31 they'll have to be muzzled and on a lead in public.
Owners can also choose to have the dogs put down by a vet.
How can I get my XL bully an exemption certificate?
If you want to keep your Bully after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
Owners have until 31 January 2024 to do so.
Gov.uk has confirmed that applications will be subject to a £92.40 fee.
To keep an XL Bully dog you must ensure it is:
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- microchipped
- kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
- kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024.
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