Prepare for the XL Bully ban
From December 31st 2023 this breed of dogs was banned. From February 1st it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog unless you have a certificate of exemption.
Written by Sam
—11 Dec, 2023
Due to an increase in attacks by this breed the government are adding this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
What does this mean?
From December 31st this year, it will be illegal to:
- sell;
- abandon;
- give away; or
- breed from an XL Bully Dog.
- It will also be against the law to be with an XL Bully in public without a lead and a muzzle.
Furthermore from February 1st 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully Dog unless you have a Certificate of Exemption.
As well as obtaining the certification, to keep an XL Bully dog it must be:
- microchipped;
- kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public;
- kept in a secure place so that it may not escape;
- be neutered.
As the owner you must:
- be over 16 years old;
- take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people;
- be able to show the certificate of exemption when asked to by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within five days.
Melin’s policy on keeping animals states that ‘permission will not be given to keep dogs specified in the Dangerous Dogs act 1991.’ The occupation contract you sign outlines the conditions of your tenancy, it contains clauses to ensure that all residents and neighbours’ rights are respected. Where residents live communally, there is a need for greater consideration and tolerance.
Our policy also states that pets must be always kept under control this includes putting dogs in another room from where our staff are working in your home and keeping dogs on a lead in internal and external communal areas.
