Sunak confirmed the ban would take effect by the end of the year, placing Jamie in a predicament. His three-year-old XL Bully unintentionally bred with his sister's XL Bully, leading to this unexpected litter.
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Unexpected litter
Despite his initial intention to neuter his dog, Jamie's plans were disrupted when it became too close to her season for the procedure. Jamie is adamant that the puppies were not bred to make money. Instead, he wants to find loving, long-term homes for them.
However, the looming ban raises the fear that if they don't find homes, these innocent puppies might end up in rescue centres or, worse, be put down.
The ban's implications for current XL Bully owners like Jamie are significant. Selling, abandoning, breeding, or giving away these dogs will become illegal. Existing owners may face having their pets confiscated by the police, even if the dog has not exhibited dangerous behaviour.
Hope for XL owners
However, there is a glimmer of hope as some XL Bullies may be allowed to remain with their owners. If a court determines that a particular XL Bully does not pose a threat to the public, it may be placed on the Index of Exempt Dogs, and the owner will receive a Certificate of Exemption. To qualify, the dog must be neutered, microchipped, leashed and muzzled in public, and securely confined when at home.
Owners must also be at least 16 years old, maintain insurance against their dog causing harm to others, and comply with requests from police or dog wardens to present the certificate. They must also update the Index of Exempt Dogs with their current address and report the dog's passing if necessary.
