The owners of XL Bully dogs have until the end of the month to get a certificate of exemption after the breed was banned by the Government.

Social housing providers are giving advice to XL Bully owners as they’ll be committing a criminal offence by not sticking to the new rules.

The breed was added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 following a rise in attacks.

The Worcester News approached a number of companies that provide social housing in Worcestershire to see how the new rules would affect tenants.

And while none of the providers said they have changed their lettings policies, some did point us in the direction of guidance being issued to XL Bully owners.

Platform Housing says: “If you own an XL Bully dog or puppy you need to comply with all the new requirements for this breed of dog.

“Even if you are not 100% sure if your dog is an XL Bully, the government is recommending that a precautionary approach is taken and that you also comply with the new requirements.”

As of December 31, 2023, it is illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed an XL Bully dog, or to have one in public without a lead and a muzzle.

From February 1, 2024, it will be against the law to own one of the dogs unless you have a certificate of exemption.

Sanctuary Housing is warning that by keeping an XL Bully without one of these certificates, you’ll not only be committing an offence byt also breaching your tenancy agreement.

In order to get a certificate, you’ll need to get third party public liability insurance cover for your dog, get it permently neutered if it isn’t already, and pay a £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep.

The dog must also be microchipped and kept in a secure place it cannot escape from.

If asked by a police officer or council dog warden, you must be able to show the certificate either at the time or within five days.