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31st October 2023
01:18pm GMT
American bully XLs have been officially banned and government guidance has been published on rules for current owners.
From February 1, 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own one unless owners have successfully applied for it to be exempt in England and Wales.
A longer deadline is in place for owners to ensure the dogs are neutered and microchipped.
The ban follows a number of attacks involving the breed, although owners insist owners and the dog's upbringing are the issue instead of the dogs themselves.
From 31 December 2023 it will be illegal to sell, abandon, breed from or give away an American bully XL, or have one in public without a lead or muzzle.
If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December next year. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June.
The guidance is similar to that issued against the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro, which were the four breeds banned in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Defra has published information and rules on what features define an American Bully XL.
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