Thousands of XL Bully Owners Apply for Exemptions from Ban
Approximately 4,000 American Bully XL owners in the UK have sought exceptions as a breed ban looms, yet the actual number of these dogs remains unknown, according to the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss.
Owners are encouraged to register before the 1st of February, after which possessing a Bully XL becomes illegal in England and Wales.
Unwanted dogs can be euthanized with owners possibly receiving compensation. As of 31st December, Bully XLs must be leashed and muzzled in public; further prohibitions include breeding, selling, and abandoning the breed. Exempt dogs must be spayed or neutered and microchipped.
The exemption initiative was introduced after announcing the ban in September, post several attack incidents. Dr. Middlemiss has appealed to owners on BBC Breakfast to promptly apply for exemptions.
Most applications for exemptions have already been processed according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Campaign group Bully Watch recorded 351 bully breed attacks in 2023. Following the ban's announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, owners protested, defending the breed's potential as affectionate pets.
Dr. Middlemiss acknowledged the uncertainty in the number of unregistered dogs but assured government collaboration with local bodies to enforce compliance.
The American Bully XL—unrecognized by the UK Kennel Club—is described as a large, muscular dog with a sturdy build, and owners have been advised to register their dogs if they fit the characteristics.
The government is implementing several safety measures, including mandatory sterilization by 30th June for eligible dogs, or by the end of 2024 for dogs under a year old by 31st January, with proof required. Exemption applicants must cover a £92.40 fee, secure public liability insurance, and ensure their dogs are microchipped.
Severe penalties apply to those with dangerously uncontrollable dogs, including up to 14 years of imprisonment, an ownership ban, and possible euthanization of the dog.
Unwanted dogs can be euthanized with owners possibly receiving compensation. As of 31st December, Bully XLs must be leashed and muzzled in public; further prohibitions include breeding, selling, and abandoning the breed. Exempt dogs must be spayed or neutered and microchipped.
The exemption initiative was introduced after announcing the ban in September, post several attack incidents. Dr. Middlemiss has appealed to owners on BBC Breakfast to promptly apply for exemptions.
Most applications for exemptions have already been processed according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Campaign group Bully Watch recorded 351 bully breed attacks in 2023. Following the ban's announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, owners protested, defending the breed's potential as affectionate pets.
Dr. Middlemiss acknowledged the uncertainty in the number of unregistered dogs but assured government collaboration with local bodies to enforce compliance.
The American Bully XL—unrecognized by the UK Kennel Club—is described as a large, muscular dog with a sturdy build, and owners have been advised to register their dogs if they fit the characteristics.
The government is implementing several safety measures, including mandatory sterilization by 30th June for eligible dogs, or by the end of 2024 for dogs under a year old by 31st January, with proof required. Exemption applicants must cover a £92.40 fee, secure public liability insurance, and ensure their dogs are microchipped.
Severe penalties apply to those with dangerously uncontrollable dogs, including up to 14 years of imprisonment, an ownership ban, and possible euthanization of the dog.
