As of New Year’s Eve, a new law has been put into effect in England and Wales requiring American bully XL dogs to be muzzled and kept on a lead while in public. In addition, the breeding, selling, and abandoning of these dogs is now illegal. However, owners who want to keep their bully XLs after the outright ban on February 1, 2024, can apply to do so until midnight on December 31.
The new regulations come in response to several attacks by American bully XLs, including one that resulted in a man’s death. The breed has been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. Owners who wish to keep their bully XLs must obtain a Certificate of Exemption, which requires them to get insurance, neuter their dog, and pay a fee of £92.40, similar to the requirements for other banned breeds such as the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos, and the Fila Brazileiro.
While some animal charities have opposed the ban, others have warned of the potential consequences of a likely surge in demand for rescue centers and vets, who may be unable to cope with the influx. The RSPCA also cautioned that some owners might not have enough time to ensure their dogs are happy wearing muzzles.
According to Samantha Gaines of the RSPCA, “Breed is not a good or reliable predictor of aggressive behavior.” Instead, she suggests that existing laws should be used more effectively to target people who exploit and irresponsibly breed animals. Whether Northern Ireland or Scotland will adopt the same regulations as England and Wales is yet to be determined
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