XL Bully Dogs

The standard government deadline to apply for a Certificate of Exemption closed on 15 January 2024. It is now a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales without a valid certificate.

Because the official deadline has passed, you can no longer apply for an exemption through the standard Defra forms. The only way an exemption can be granted now is through a court order.

If you own an XL Bully dog without a certificate, you should seek legal advice immediately or contact the police on 101 for guidance.

If you already hold a valid Certificate of Exemption, you must follow strict rules to keep your dog legally.

At all times, your XL Bully dog must be:

• Kept on a lead and muzzled when in public (including in cars).
• Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape.
• Microchipped.
• Neutered.

As the owner, you must also be over 16 years old, hold active third-party public liability insurance, and be able to show your Certificate of Exemption to a police officer or council dog warden within 5 days if asked.

Find full details on the government rules for keeping an XL Bully dog.

If you leave your dog with a business, you must:

• Tell the business clearly that the dog is a prohibited breed type.
• Show them your Certificate of Exemption.
• Give them all the information they need to follow the law.

Businesses are allowed to provide services for XL Bully dogs, as long as the dog has a Certificate of Exemption.

If you own an exempted XL Bully dog, the law says the dog must live at the same address as you.

However, you are allowed to place the dog in care (such as a licensed kennel, home boarding, or day care) for a maximum of 30 days in any 12-month period.

Rules for business owners (license holders)

If you agree to look after an exempted XL Bully dog:

• You must ensure you can still meet all the conditions of your business license.
• You should ask the owner to show you their Certificate of Exemption before you agree to take the dog.

• Usually no: Most licensed premises (like kennels) are private. The public cannot enter without an invitation. This means the dog does not usually need a muzzle while inside the facility.
• Sometimes yes: If members of the public can enter parts of your property without asking, those parts count as a “public place.”
• Advice: If you are unsure if your property counts as a public place, you should seek legal advice.
• The rule: If the premises (or part of it) is considered a public place, the XL Bully dog must be kept on a lead and muzzled by law.

When an exempted XL Bully dog is in a vehicle, it is considered to be in a public place.

Therefore, the dog must be on a lead and muzzled at all times while inside a vehicle.

If you own an exempted XL Bully dog yourself, you are still allowed to apply for or hold a business license.

This falls under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

• Statutory Guidance for 2018 Regulations: Animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities
• Read the guidance: government rules for keeping an XL Bully dog
• Definition: Official definition of an XL Bully dog