Animal shelters in North Yorkshire plea with owners of XL bullies not to abandon their pet
The Government is implementing strict new rules around the breed
From tomorrow (Thursday 1st February) new regulations for XL Bully dogs come into effect following a surge in fatal attacks.
Owners must register their XL Bullies by tomorrow, and failure to comply may lead to criminal charges and fines. The regulations also involve a complete ban on breeding, selling, advertising, gifting, exchanging, or allowing XL Bully dogs to stray.
Animal shelters in North Yorkshire are urging any owners who are panicked about the changes to reach out for support.
Danielle Sherriffs is the manager of the Blue Cross rehoming Centre in Thirsk: " We really pride ourselves at Blue Cross of a non judgement approach, we are all pet owners, our pets are our families and we all appreciate the concern and the panic and just the confusion that this situation can bring."
"Don't feel alone, you are not alone. so pick up your phone and speak to someone rather than abandon your pet, which we know is done out of desperation, but there are safe places you can go to where you can get that help and that guidance."
"We really focus on helping pet owners in their homes so again supporting you through all the information that is needed for the XL Bully exemption and the ban to reduce that panic, reduce that fear, give you some reassurance."
What are the new regulations for XL Bullies?
Owners must register their XL Bully dogs by February 1 and ensure they comply with leash and muzzle requirements. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in legal repercussions, including criminal charges and fines.
Since December 31st, XL Bullies must be leashed and muzzled in public with prohibitions on breeding and other activities involving the breed.
How can owners determine if their dog falls under the classification of XL Bully?
Owners can compare their dog's physical characteristics to provided guidance and photo examples to ascertain its breed classification. The government has phased in regulations for XL Bully dogs, including their addition to the Dangerous Dogs Act, leading to a complete ban on the breed.
What do I have to do now if I have an XL Bully?
Owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption, obtain third-party insurance, ensure their dogs are neutered, and adhere to prescribed care and management guidelines.
Owners who choose not to keep their XL Bullies are advised to have them euthanized by a veterinarian. This action ensures compliance with the regulations and promotes public safety.
Rescue organizations are now prohibited from rehoming XL Bully dogs, while vets play a crucial role in euthanizing dogs upon owner request and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The move has been met with disappointment and criticism from owners and campaign groups who think the new rules go too far.
On a fundraising page set up by Licence Me Group, supporting XL Bully owners they said:
"Our dogs are bred to be loving companions, the XL Bully has been wrongfully blamed for many recent attacks by the media and government.
"Since the dangerous dogs Act come into place in 1991, dog attacks have risen, not reduced, and since 1999 and 2019 dog attacks have risen by 154%.
"There are many factors to blame here, but we cannot blame and cull an entire ‘type’
"We as bully owners of the UK demand change, demand fair and effective laws that keep people and dogs safe, demand that no dog be damned because of how they look!"
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:
The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023. We have met that pledge - it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.
All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.