Animal Licensing

The Animal Welfare Animal regulations

Animal Licencing Guidance

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City of Doncaster Council is sharing the government guidance on the ban of XL Bully dogs

Ban on XL Bully dogs - Information

The Government has brought into force further legislation to implement the ban on XL Bully dogs and start the transition period for existing owners.  

Defra has provided additional guidance at: Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

The official definition of an XL Bully dog can be found here Official definition of an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Licensed XL Bully Breeders

XL Bully breeders should now stop all breeding activity as it will be a criminal offence to sell, transfer, exchange, gift or advertise these dogs from 31 December 2023. Any licensees who are currently licensed to breed these types of dog must cease breeding from this date.

It will be illegal to breed from a XL Bully, and also for a XL Bully to be bred from any combination of other dogs.  

There is a nine-week period until the ban on selling comes into force to allow puppies that were bred before this legislation was introduced to be legally sold. It will remain the case that puppies must not be sold before they are eight weeks old. Individuals that purchased a puppy before 31 December 2023 that is less than eight weeks old at that point, can still collect it legally when it is eight weeks old. 

If you have concerns about the continued illegal breeding of XL Bully breed types from 31 December 2023, please report these to your local Dog Legislation Officer to ensure this intelligence is shared and enforcement action can be taken as appropriate.  

Owners who choose to have their dog put to sleep can apply for compensation. Further details on how to apply for compensation can be accessed online here Claim compensation for an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  

Licensed kennelling, home boarding or day care of XL Bullies  

It will still be possible for businesses to provide these services for exempted XL Bully type dogs if they wish to do so.

It is a requirement of the Certificate of Exemption to keep a prohibited breed type at the same address as the person to whom the certificate is issued except for up to a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period.  During these 30 days, the dog may kept in suitable care which could include licensed kennels, home boarding or day care.

Licence holders must ensure that they can continue to meet and maintain all their licence conditions should they agree to board an exempted XL Bully. They may also wish to ask the owner of the dog to see their Certificate of Exemption before agreeing to provide their services.

The owner should ensure that the licence holder, or their designated manager, is aware the dog is a prohibited breed type, show them the Certificate of Exemption, and provide all relevant information to ensure the business can comply with the legislation. This includes that from 31 December 2023 the dog must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.