January 2, 2024
New law requires American bully XL owners to muzzle and leash their dogs in publicAs of New Year’s Eve, a new law has come into force that prohibits breeding, selling or abandoning American bully XL dogs in England and Wales.
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Owners who wish to keep their bully XLs have to apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January, before a total ban takes effect. The law was enacted after several incidents involving the breed, including one fatal attack this year.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said the government had fulfilled its promise to act “swiftly and decisively” after the attacks. The breed joins the list of dogs outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.To obtain a Certificate of Exemption, owners have to neuter their dogs, get insurance, and pay a fee of £92.40. The rules are similar to those for the four other banned breeds – the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro. American bully XLs join list of banned dogs.
Owners share their anguish over the ban, However, the RSPCA cautioned that there is a “huge risk” of overwhelming rescue centres and vets with a possible influx of dogs.
The charity’s Samantha Gaines told the PA news agency: “What is really worrying is that the ban has been implemented so quickly that some owners may not be prepared for this, and may not have trained their dogs to wear a muzzle comfortably.” There is some concern that some people may have procrastinated for some reason.” She also said: “Breed is not a good or reliable indicator of aggression.”
Dr. Gaines recommended that existing laws should be applied more effectively to target those who abuse and irresponsibly breed the animals. Many other animal charities have opposed a ban.
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