XL Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public in the UK under new restrictions, as animal rights activists fear a looming ban on the breed will overwhelm vets and rescue centres.
Breeding, selling or abandoning the dogs is also illegal as of today, and owners are encouraged to apply for an exemption certificate for their current pets before the January 31 deadline.
From February 1st it will be a criminal offense in England and Wales to own a size XL bully dog without a certificate.
Britain's Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said the British government had fulfilled its promise to take “swift and decisive action” after a series of attacks earlier this year in which a man died after being attacked by one of the dogs.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said banning the breed was “not a solution” and warned of a “major risk” that rescue centers and vets could not manage.
Dr. Samantha Gaines, the charity's dog welfare expert, said: “The ban on XL bullies not only continues to be devastating for so many dogs, but is also taking a heavy toll on the owners and rescue center staff who are close to the dogs in their lives and to veterinary teams who must expect to euthanize healthy dogs whose behavior does not pose a risk.
“There is a great risk that rescue centers and veterinarians will not be able to cope with the demands that this law places on them.”
“We urgently need more information and support from the UK Government so we can support owners and dogs affected by this ban, but we will also need help and support to get through this.”
Dangerous Dogs Act
The dogs were added to the UK's Dangerous Dogs Act on October 31, giving owners two months to prepare for the first stage of restrictions.
People with dangerously out-of-control dogs can be sentenced to 14 years in prison, banned from owning animals, and have their pets euthanized.
Mr Barclay said: “The Prime Minister has pledged to take swift and decisive action by the end of 2023 to protect the public from devastating dog attacks.”
“We have kept that promise – it is now a legal requirement that XL Bully dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, give away, exchange, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray.”
“All XL Bully owners are expected to abide by the law and we will continue to work closely with police, canine and veterinary experts and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming in on February 1st “Strike power.”