The recent addition of the American Bully XL type dog to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by the UK government has significant implications for dog owners. Commencing in two stages—December 31, 2023, and February 1, 2024—the ban renders it illegal to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales without a Certificate of Exemption.
Preparing for the Ban
If you are an XL Bully dog owner, you need to prepare for the ban by following strict rules such as microchipping, muzzling, neutering, and giving up your dog to be euthanized. If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by January 31, 2024.
Microchipping Your XL Bully Dog
Microchipping your XL Bully dog is a legal requirement in the UK. It involves inserting a tiny microchip under your dog’s skin, which contains a unique identification number. This number is registered to your dog, and your contact details are in a national database. If your dog is lost or stolen, the microchip can be scanned by a vet or animal welfare organization to identify your dog and reunite you with your pet.
Possessing Third-Party Public Liability Insurance
To get a Certificate of Exemption, you must get third-party public liability insurance coverage for your dog. This insurance covers you if your dog causes injury to another person or damage to their property. You can purchase this insurance from any insurance provider that offers third-party public liability insurance coverage for dogs. The insurance policy must cover you for at least £1 million.
Certificate of Exemption
To get a Certificate of Exemption, you must get third-party public liability insurance cover for your dog, neuter your dog permanently if it is not already neutered, and pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep.
Identifying an XL Bully Dog
If you are unsure whether your dog is an XL bully, you can use the official definition of an XL bully dog to check if your dog may be an XL bully. This involves checking the dog's physical characteristics, such as its size and height. If you're not sure if you have an XL Bully dog, you should comply with all new requirements for this dog type. This includes puppies that may grow up to be XL bully dog. The ban only applies to XL bully dogs. These are not within the scope of the ban .
Alternative Breeds
If you are looking to buy a dog, you may want to consider breeds that are not affected by the ban. Some popular dog breeds in the UK include the Cane Corso, Pit Bull, French Bulldog, German Shepherds, English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Boxer, and Doxie dog.
Dog Services
If you are looking for dog grooming services, pet grooming services, or dog training services, you can search for them online. You can also find dog food, dog beds, dog collars, dog crates, and other dog-related products at The Pet Affairs . When searching for dog food, make sure to choose high-quality dog food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. You can also consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your dog
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the XL Bully Dog Ban is a serious issue that requires careful consideration. If you are an XL Bully dog owner, you need to prepare for the ban by following strict rules such as microchipping, muzzling, neutering, and giving up your dog to be euthanized. If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by January 31, 2024. You can also find dog grooming services, pet grooming services, or dog training services online. When searching for dog food, make sure to choose high-quality dog food that meets your dog's nutritional needs.
