XL Bully dogs will be banned from 31 December this year, it has been confirmed.
The new laws were laid in Parliament under the Dangerous Dog Act today (Tuesday), and those who fail to comply could face a lengthy prison sentence.
In the new year, all existing XL Bully dogs will have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public in England and Wales.
Owners can also choose to have their dogs put to sleep by attending their veterinary practice.
The new rules come after a spate of attacks by the breed – some fatal – across Britain.
From 1 February 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully – unless it has avoided destruction during court proceedings and placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
“In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.
“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”
