Cambridgeshire dog trainer sees 'no perfect system' to solve XL Bully dilemma
It will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate from February 1st
A dog trainer in Cambridgeshire has said telling XL Bully owners to apply for exemption just to legally keep them may not be the perfect move forward.
From February 1, it will be illegal for people to own XL bullies without an exemption certificate.
It comes after last year, the government announced plans to ban them following a rise in attacks.
Calum McConnell is a dog training instructor at Woof and Wood near Ely.
He told us there isn't a perfect answer to the situation:
"I don't think exemptions are the right way to go, but there isn't a perfect system," he said.
"I think getting early training in can be beneficial.
"I think the legislation was rushed through and it's worth noting it's not just XL Bullies but those that fit the type, so it's worth checking even for example you've got an American Bulldog if your dog fits the type.
"Those that were ambassadors for the breed and responsible owners, there's likely there will be a big uptake (for exemption).
"The public are more protected with dogs having to be on a lead and muzzled in public, but the challenges will be the connotations dogs wearing a muzzle can have.
"Not all dogs wearing muzzles are aggressive; there are benefits and challenges with this entire situation that is not ideal."
People who do apply for exemption must adhere to certain rules such as paying an application fee, having third party public liability insurance for banned dog breeds and making sure their dog is microchipped and neutered.