Thousands of XL bullys granted exemption from upcoming ban

Thousands of XL bully owners have been told they will not need to put down their dogs when a ban on the breed comes into force next year.

Government department Defra has revealed it has already received more than 4,000 applications from people wanting an exemption – and confirmed the “majority” had been approved.

There are less than two weeks to go before the first in a series of new rules surrounding the animals, which are being phased in over the coming months, come into force.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the restrictions on XL bullies earlier this year after branding the breed a “danger to communities” following a string of attacks on humans – including some that were fatal.

From 31 December, XL bully dogs will no longer be allowed out in public unless they are muzzled and placed on a lead.

Breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing one of the dogs to stray will also become illegal in England and Wales from that date.

A complete ban on people owning new XL bullies will then come into force on 1 February 2024 – unless the owner applies before the end of January – just six weeks away – for an exemption which would allow them to keep their pet.

An exemption certificate can only be obtained if a household agrees to comply with a strict set of rules, including having the animals microchipped.

The dogs will also need to be neutered by 30 June, unless they are under one year old.