In a bid to safeguard public safety, the UK government is set to implement a comprehensive ban on XL Bully dogs starting February 1. Owners of these dogs, failing to meet stringent conditions, will face criminal charges and unlimited fines, according to an official announcement.

The decision to outlaw XL Bully dogs comes in response to a troubling surge in dog attacks and fatalities attributed to this specific breed. Effective February 1, possession of an unregistered XL Bully will result in legal consequences, prompting a response from owners to ensure compliance.

To address the existing population of XL Bully dogs, owners have a narrow window of less than one week to register their pets. The registration system for this breed will close at noon on January 31, and owners must secure their certificates by this deadline.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss stressed the urgency of registration, stating, “Please do not risk leaving it to the last minute if you want to keep your dog; you should register it now.” Owners are also given the option to arrange for their XL Bully’s euthanisation by January 31 if they choose not to comply with the registration requirements.

Registered XL Bully owners must adhere to strict restrictions, including microchipping, keeping the dogs on a lead and muzzling in public spaces. Additionally, owners are mandated to neuter their pets, with a deadline of June 30 for most dogs and the end of 2024 for those under one year old.

The government stresses the importance of early registration and encourages owners to review guidelines and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to determine their breed classification. The ban does not apply to dogs clearly identified as belonging to other established breeds.

For up-to-date information and guidance on complying with the ban, owners can refer to the dedicated page on the official government website: [Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK](www.gov.uk).