Social housing tenants in Newark reminded about XL Bully policy amid new rules

The Newark & Sherwood District Council has issued a reminder to social housing tenants this week, ahead of the 31 January deadline by the Government for people to apply for exemptions for their XL Bully dogs.

As part of their recently-published policy, the local authority say those who live in a District Council- home and already owned an XL Bully dog before 31 January 2024 will be able to keep their dog(s), providing they comply fully with the District Council’s new policy and the legislation introduced by the UK Government.

Council says it's adopted a balanced policy based on what the Government's said

They say they 'recognise the distress that the introduction of this legislation brings', and so has adopted what they have called a 'balanced policy' that both supports responsible dog ownership and protects residents and staff from dangerous dogs.

However, the council stress this applies to existing tenants only.

If tenants have owned an XL Bully before January 31 2024, you are required to do the following:

• 1) Ask for permission to keep the animal with the District Council.
• 2) Fully comply with the requirements, as set out by the UK Government
• 3) Have a Certificate of Exemption and a Third-Party Liability Insurance Certificate before the deadline of January 31No complaints about dog ownership (or related behaviour) are submitted to the council
• 4) You have the understanding that any permission to keep the XL Bully dog will be withdrawn, if an incident is reported that involves one Council hopes this will provide clarity

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it's illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption from the Government.

If you don't, this may result in legal enforcement action.

We do not wish to see any dog euthanised if this is avoidable.

The requirements mean you need to ensure the dog is:

• Neutered (confirmed by a vet)
• Microchipped
• Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
• Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
• Owned by an adult over the age of 16

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I hope this policy provides clarification for our tenants regarding the ownership of XL Bully dogs."

"We understand that pet dogs are often seen as part of a family, and we do not wish to see any dog euthanised if this is avoidable."

"Therefore, we have put together some guidance and support on how you can keep your dog in line with legislation and your tenancy agreement."

People need to fully comply with the requirements

"I would also like to stress it is not our intent to evict any of our tenants who own an XL Bully dog."

“We have a duty of care to all of our residents and our staff when they are working in resident’s homes and therefore, we are clear that any breaches to our policy or the government’s new legislation will result in clear and serious consequences.

"I urge anyone who lives in one of our homes and owns an XL Bully to comply fully with our requirements."

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns."

Permission requests along with proof of compliance with the Government legislation should be submitted to your tenancy officer by 16 February 2024.

You can contact Customer Services on 01636 650000 or via customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

You can find out more about the legislation involving XL Bully dogs on the UK Government website.

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