When the ban on XL Bullies was first announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in September, owners were advised the breed would be added to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, from the 31st of December 2023.
Many waited with bated breath, for details of the ban to be released by the government.
Details of the ban announced
Under the rules that will come into force at the end of the year, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, abandon or re-home an XL Bully dog.
While owners of an American XL Bully can apply for an exemption certificate, the new regulations mean that breeders and rescue groups only have three weeks remaining in which to find permanent, committed placements for their dogs.
Safety in Scotland
The ban will come into effect in England and Wales, but at present, the law will not apply to Scotland.
Ministers felt the blanket ban was premature, and Scotland will instead continue to enforce Dog Control Notices (DCNs) for any dog found to be out of control.
This means that American XL Bully dogs are allowed to live legally in Scotland, without needing to comply with exemption requirements, or to be muzzled and on-lead in public spaces.
Recent social media posts suggest many dogs are now being transported across the border, in search of safety and a second chance at a loving, forever home.
