XL bully dogs are set to be banned in England and Wales from December 31, 2023.
The incoming regulations mean that breeding, selling, advertising, exchanging, gifting, rehoming, abandoning, or allowing these dogs to stray will be considered illegal.
Those wishing to keep such breeds must ensure the dogs are kept on a lead and muzzled in public, are held in a secure area, and are microchipped and neutered.
Dog owners, who need to be over the age of sixteen, are also required to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to prove ownership and procure third-party public liability insurance in case the dog harms other individuals.
If they fail to produce the certificate to a police officer or council dog warden upon request, they might face criminal charges from February 1, 2024.
The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) acknowledges that the upcoming rules may cause anxiety among XL bully dogs owners.
They said: "You can access more information about the help available to owners and keepers on the PPP’s website."
These measures aim to ensure public safety, regulate dog ownership, and protect vulnerable types of dogs.
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