THE RSPCA is reminding XL Bully dog owners of key dates which will affect their beloved pets as we rapidly approach the end of the year.
The Government has stated it will be a requirement for an XL Bully to be muzzled and on a lead when in a public place from 31 December this year.
The animal welfare charity has found there has been deep concern and desire for clarity from pet owners over the recently-announced XL Bully legislation.
The UK Government has published its official definition on the XL Bully, which can be viewed on the Defra website.
These guidelines state that an XL Bully is of a certain height – (minimum height is a mandatory requirement): with specific features on their face, teeth, neck, forequarters, body, hindquarters, feet, tail and coat.
The RSPCA is opposed to this ban and don’t believe it is effective in protecting the public and do not agree with the broad legal definition of the XL Bully but the charity has to comply with the law and are committed to supporting dog owners in need of help.
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “It is so important that owners of an XL Bully start getting prepared for the exemption process as soon as possible.
“As of the 1st of January XL Bullies will need to be on a lead and muzzled when in a public place so it is critical that owners are working with their dogs to help them get used to this change.
“Owners of dogs will then have until 31 January to apply for exemption as after this date it will be illegal to own an XL bully which is not exempted, which sadly means that you could get a criminal record, your dog could be seized and you could face an unlimited fine.All details about how to do this are on the Government website.”
Then from 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully in England and Wales, unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption.
Owners of an XL bully can apply for exemption on the Government website.
There is a fee of £92.40 per dog and a requirement to have third party public liability insurance for banned breeds.
The RSPCA would also advise owners to prepare their dog for the conditions – and suggests getting their pet used to wearing a muzzle by introducing this gradually and positively so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable with it on.
Sam added: “We have long campaigned against Breed Specific Legislation, which bans dogs simply due to the way they look.
“This has failed to effectively protect the public and animal’s welfare and have seen countless dogs who have not shown aggression lose their lives.
“Our position around banning XL Bullies is the same – we don’t believe this will effectively protect the public or animal welfare. “
Visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/ for more information.
