Gloucestershire XL Bully owners reminded to register dogs or face a criminal conviction
From 31st January it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a certificate of exemption
Last updated 26th Jan 2024
The RSPCA are reminding XL Bully owners to apply for a certificate of exemption by Wednesday (31/1).
After February 1 dogs without a certificate will be seized and kennelled by police and owners could face a criminal conviction.
The ban has been put into place following a number of attacks by the breed.
Some restrictions are already in place. Since January 1 XL Bully dogs have been required to be muzzled and put on a lead when in public places.
New measures will also mean dogs must be neutered and microchipped. Owners must be aged over 16 years and have third party liability insurance against their dog injuring other people.
Dr Sam Gaines, from the RSPCA, said: "If owners don't have a certificate of exemption they are at risk of having their dogs seized and may also face a criminal record.
"Owners need to visit the UK Government website to apply for a certificate. Owners will have different timelines on when they need to get their dogs neutered depending on the age on January 31 and the information around this is also on the website."