XL bully dogs will be added to the list of animals banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act from the end of this year, the government has announced.
It follows a spate of recent attacks and deaths involving the American breed of XL bully.
In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared the breed a “danger to communities” after a man died in a “suspected” attack by two of the dogs in Stonnall, Staffordshire.
Changes to the law will be phased in over several months. From December 31, 2023, it will be illegal in England and Wales to breed, sell, advertise, rehome, abandon or allow to stray an XL bully dog, the government said.
Also from December 31, 2023, XL bully dogs will have to be muzzled and on a lead when in public.
Then, from February 1, 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully dog – unless the owner applies to be on the Index of Exempted Dogs by the end of January and complies with a strict set of rules.
The rules include a requirement for their pets to be muzzled, neutered, microchipped and kept on a lead at all times in public.
The UK Bully Kennel Club said it was “devastated” by the latest announcement.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who will be affected by this,” it said in a statement.
The group – which says it is dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership and breeding practices – said its biggest concern is for the thousands of dogs in shelters and rescues across the country who have now been condemned to death if they are not re-homed before December 31.
“We are appealing to the public to consider saving one of these beautiful dogs, who are perfectly healthy and of good temperament, who are being put down purely because of their appearance and not their behaviour,” the group said.
Ministers said £200 compensation would also be offered to owners who choose to have their dogs euthanized by a vet. Details of how to apply will be announced at a later date.
Breeders have also been told to stop breeding the animals in preparation for the change in the law.
Owners face having their dog seized – and an unlimited fine – if they fail to comply.
‘Swift and decisive action’
Environment Minister Therese Coffey said the government was taking “swift and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks”.
She added: “We will continue to work closely with the police, dog and veterinary experts and animal welfare groups as we take forward these important measures.
Four types of dogs are already banned in the UK – the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.
Mr. Sunak announced his intention to ban the breed in September.
The announcement sparked protests from some owners, who accused the government of “bullying our best friends”.
Critics have also raised doubts about a ban, arguing that it can be difficult to define the breed and that more attention needs to be paid to the owners of dangerous dogs, rather than the animals themselves.
The government has now published an official definition of the breed, which describes the dogs as having a “heavy, large and broad” head and a “blocky or slightly square” muzzle.
It also describes the breed as “heavily muscled” with a “large, blocky body giving the impression of great strength for size”.
