New rules for XL bullies come into effect today and owners could face jail time

The end of June marks the deadline for some XL Bully owners to ensure their dog is neutered. Since last December, it has been illegal to breed or give away an XL Bully, and since February, it has been a criminal offense to own one without an exemption certificate.

The British government said it received 61,000 exemption applications before the deadline. But for owners who were able to obtain an exemption certificate, there was more to do to ensure they could keep their dogs.

Owners of registered XL bullies who were at least 12 months old on January 31 this year must have their dogs neutered by June 30 for the exemption certificate to remain valid. If owners do not submit confirmation of neutering to DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) by July 26, the dog will no longer be exempt. This also applies if your dog was neutered before the new law came into effect. For the latest Welsh news in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter

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If your XL bully was not yet a year old on January 31st, there is more time. The dog must be neutered by December 31st, with proof provided by the same date. Proof, provided via a neuter confirmation form, is required even if the dog was neutered before the new law came into effect.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Strict checks are in place for existing XL Bullies. They must be registered, microchipped, neutered, muzzled and kept on a lead in public and have third party insurance with The Dogs Trust. These measures have been put in place to improve public safety whilst ensuring that the existing population of XL Bullies decreases over time.”

The police spokesperson added that anyone found in possession of an XL Bully that does not comply with strict regulations could “have their dog confiscated and be prosecuted and given a criminal record”. And the Gov.uk website warns: “You could be given an unlimited fine or jailed for up to six months (or both) for having a prohibited dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed.”

When the UK government announced the XL bully ban for England and Wales at the end of 2023, it said the breed had been “disproportionately involved” in deaths since 2021. The victims included 10-year-old Jack Lis, who was killed in Caerphilly in 2021.

NHS adviser Richard Baker told the BBC that the powerful jaws of XL bully dogs inflicted more damaging wounds than those of other breeds, which can result in broken bones, torn skin and damaged nerves.