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The information below is summarised in this video by our Group Practice Nurse Sophie. Sophie recorded this video to help support owners of XL Bully dogs to help them understand the Government guidelines that will be coming into place, and what action they need to take by which dates.
On 31 October 2023, the UK Government made a decision to add the XL Bully breed to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Dogs will be assessed against this criteria to determine if they fit the classification of being an XL Bully.
According to Gov.uk, ‘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.’
We recommend XL Bully owners get in touch as soon as possible so we can get your dog booked in for neutering ahead of these deadlines.
Once your XL Bully dog has been neutered, your Vet will complete the proof of neutering form for you to return to Defra. If your dog has already been neutered, your Vet can still complete the paperwork for you to issue to Defra.
If neutering was undertaken by a different Vet or at a different practice, your current Vet may have to check that neutering has taken place. You may have to pay a fee for the Vet to do this. Alternatively, you may be able to contact your previous Vet to fill in the form.
The ban will come into force from 31 December 2023.
At this time, it will become illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed from an XL Bully. It will also be illegal to have an XL Bully in public unleashed and without wearing a muzzle.
You must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024. This will cost £92.40. From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
To keep an XL Bully, you must ensure the following: – Your dog is microchipped – Your dog is neutered – Your dog must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public – You need to keep your dog in a secure place where they cannot escape
XL Bullys who aren’t accustomed to wearing a muzzle should start muzzle training now, so you’re able to comply with the requirements when these come into force on 31 December 2023. Free muzzle training resources can be found online through the Blue Cross and Dog’s Trust. We also have a Nurse clinics where advice and support can be provided. Please get in touch if you would like to take advantage of this service.
The Government recommendation for people choosing not to keep their XL Bully is for the dog to be euthanised, and the Government will pay £200 per dog to contribute towards the cost of euthanasia that takes place before 31 January 2024.
We understand how distressing this decision can be and our team will do their very best to support you at this time.
If you have any questions, need any support in light of the ban announcement or would like to get your XL Bully booked in for microchipping or neutering, please contact your local surgery.
Important update for pet owners travelling to the EU from the UK!
From 22 April 2026, new regulations will come into effect for pet travel between the UK and the European Union.
Our Easter opening hours
We’re here for you and your pets every day this Easter, for routine and emergency appointments. See our adjusted opening times.
We’re finalists at the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2026!
We’ve been named finalists in the Best Customer Experience category.
Yorkshire People’s Choice Family Business of the Year
As a proudly independent, family-owned business, we’re delighted to have made the shortlist. Please share a vote for us here.
