Some dogs in the UK are banned but why were American XL Bullies added to the list?
Since February 1, 2024, owning the XL Bully breed has become a criminal offence in England and Wales unless owners have an exemption certificate.
Anyone who owns one of the dogs needs to have had the animal neutered and microchipped.
They must also be kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.
Illegal XL bullies may be put down if owners are non-compliant, police head says
Owning an XL bully dog without putting safeguards in place was made illegal in Scotland from February 23.
It also became an offence to sell, abandon, give away or breed XL Bully dogs.
Why were XL Bullies banned in the UK?
The ban was decided by the government after a spate of dog attacks occurred, involving the breed.
In some cases, the victims of the attacks died as a result.
The ban was enforced in an attempt to prevent further attacks involving XL Bullies.
Recommended reading:
- All the dogs banned in the UK from XL Bully to Pit Bull Terrier and the penalty
- PDSA shares step-by-step guide for muzzle training your dog
- What happened last time dogs were banned in the UK in 1991? Rukhsana Khan's case
What other dogs are banned in the UK?
The following dogs are banned in the UK, according to the government website:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
It is also against the law to:
- Sell a banned dog
- Abandon a banned dog
- Give away a banned dog
- Breed from a banned dog
The government website added: "Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.
"For example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type."
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