FROM 31ST DECEMBER 2023
NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IF YOU OWN AN XL BULLY TYPE DOG
- Your dog must be on a lead and muzzled at all times in public areas.
- It is compulsory to neuter dogs and have it certified by a vet
- Kept in a secure place, so they cannot escape
- You must have 3rd party liability insurance
- Your dog must be microchipped
- You the owner must be over 16 years of age
- You must be able to produce an exemption certificate, if asked by a dog warden or the police at the time, or within 5 days.
Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
“I own an XL Bully, I want to certify them but they aren’t neutered. What do I need to do?”
1. Book an appointment with your vet for neutering. You will be asked for full payment when booking.
2. Visit the government website: Veterinary confirmation of neutering (publishing.service.gov.uk) and print off a copy of the neuter certification. Complete the owner section, and take this with you when you take your dog to your vet appointment.
3. In preparation for your appointment start muzzle training your pet. They will have to wear a muzzle when they come into the practice.
4. Once your dog has been neutered the vet will complete their part of the certification form you have provided.
Cost for Neutering and Neutering Certification
| Gender | Neutering Cost | Neutering Certification Fee | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | £195 | £7.85* | £233.50 |
| Female | £295 | £7.85* | £333.50 |
5. If your XL Bully now complies with all the requirements, you are now able to apply for an exemption certificate via the government website. This is your legal responsibility, Animal Trust cannot do this for you.
COST OF EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE £92.40
Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
“I own an XL Bully, they are already neutered by Animal Trust. What do I need to do?”
1. Book an appointment with your vet for them to scan your pet’s microchip and confirm that the pet is neutered. You will be asked for full payment on booking.
2. Visit the government website: Veterinary confirmation of neutering (publishing.service.gov.uk) and print off a copy of the neuter certification. Complete the owner section, and take this with you when you take your dog to your vet appointment.
3. In preparation for your appointment start muzzle training your pet. They will have to wear a muzzle when they come into the practice.
4. Once your dog’s microchip has been verified the vet will complete their part of the certification form you have provided.
Cost for Neutering Certification
| Neutering Certification Fee | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| £38.50 | £38.50 |
5. If your XL Bully now complies with all the requirements you are now able to apply for an exemption certificate via the government website. This is your legal responsibility, Animal Trust cannot do this for you. Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) COST OF EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE £92.40
IMPORTANT NOTE
If your pet was neutered at a different vet practice you will need visit them to ask them for an appointment to certify your dog.
If your dog is a rescue and you have no history of previous vet, you will need to book your dog in for a blood test to confirm they are neutered, even if there are no testicles present.
XL Bully dog compensation: rescue and rehoming organisations (publishing.service.gov.uk)
“I own an XL Bully, and I am unable to meet the legal requirements. What do I need to do?”
Unfortunately if you can’t meet the new requirements, then your pet will have to be put to sleep by a vet. You must not, give away, abandon or sell your dog.
1. Book an appointment with your vet for your vet to be put to sleep. You will be asked for full payment when you book.
2. Visit the government website and register with the Rural Payments Agency to claim compensation for the euthanasia of XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) You will be able to claim once your pet has been put to sleep.
3. Your pet will have to wear a muzzle when they come into the practice.
4. We understand that this will be stressful for you, so for the benefit of the well being of you and your pet, we will sedate them before completing the procedure
5. Once you have said your final goodbye, we will make the arrangements for your chosen method of cremation.
Cost for Euthanasia
| Sedation | Euthanasia | Certification | Cremation | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £50 | £95 | £7.85 | £0 | £152.85 |
| Private Cremation | TOTAL | |||
| £50 | £95 | £7.85 | £185 | £337.85 |
NOTE: The government are offering £200 compensation for owners who have had their pet put to sleep.
Claim compensation for an XL Bully dog – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
XL Bully dog compensation: owners (publishing.service.gov.uk)