Cobalt residents who own an XL bully dog need to apply for a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to legally keep your pet beyond 31st January 2024.
This is following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, where the government has now added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
To help current owners adapt to the new laws, these changes will come into force in two stages.
You will find more details about how to apply for this certificate on the government website: Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK.
You will be committing a criminal offence and breaching your tenancy agreement if you do not hold a Certification of Exemption on 1st February 2024.
From 31st December 2023 in England, it will also be against the law to:
- Sell an XL Bully dog
- Abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
- Give away an XL Bully dog
- Breed from an XL Bully dog
- Have an XL Bully dog in public without a lead and muzzle
How To Check If Your Dog Is An XL Bully Dog
The XL Bully breed doesn’t fit the physical description perfectly. If your dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the official definition, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.
If you think your dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in the official definition, your dog may be in scope of the ban. This includes if it was not sold as an XL bully.
The Blue Cross have provided a helpful video to help you measure your dog’s height: Watch The Video Here
If you have any further questions about the XL Bully ban, please email us on: [email protected] for more information.
