Urgent Call for XL Bully Owners to Register Dogs Ahead of Upcoming Ban

Cornwall Council has issued an urgent reminder to owners of XL Bully dogs to register their pets before the looming deadline as part of a new government regulation. The ban on unregistered XL Bully dogs is set to come into effect from February 1, 2024.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, in an announcement published on January 25, 2024, has mandated that owners of XL Bully dogs must register for a Certificate of Exemption by midday on Wednesday, January 31. Failure to comply with this directive will render ownership of unregistered XL Bullies illegal from February 1, potentially leading to a criminal record and an unlimited fine for the owners.

This decisive action comes in response to a worrying increase in dog attacks and fatalities linked to XL Bully dogs. The government’s approach aims to ensure public safety by controlling the population of these dogs deemed dangerous.

Owners who have yet to register their XL Bully dogs are strongly encouraged to do so immediately. The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, emphasised the urgency of the matter, warning against any delay in registration. Those uncertain about their dog’s classification can refer to detailed guidance and photographic examples provided by the authorities to determine if their dog falls under the XL Bully category. The ban does not apply to dogs that are clearly of another established breed.

The registration process involves several mandatory requirements for the owners. Registered XL Bullies must be microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled in public spaces. Additionally, to prevent breeding, these dogs must be neutered – by June 30 for most and by the end of 2024 for dogs under one year old.
Owners facing uncertainty about whether their pet qualifies as an XL Bully are advised to adhere to the relevant requirements and restrictions. Alternatively, owners can choose to have their dog humanely put down by a veterinarian by January 31.

For the latest information and specific actions required, XL Bully owners are directed to visit the dedicated government webpage titled ‘Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs’ on the GOV.UK website. The council and the government stress the importance of immediate action to comply with these new regulations, prioritising public safety and responsible pet ownership.