XL Bully dogs – please note new laws

The law on dangerous dogs has changed and now includes XL bully dogs. As of 31 December 2023 it is now illegal to:

-        Sell or give away an XL Bully dog

-        Abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray

-        Breed from an XL Bully dog

-        Have an XL Bully dog in public without a lead and a muzzle.

From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully Dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

 Customers who own an XL Bully dog would need to apply for this certificate by 31 January 2024 in order to keep your dog.

You will need to ensure your XL Bully dog is:

-        Microchipped

-        Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public, this includes all internal and external communal areas owned and managed by Aster

-        Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape

-        Neutered.

You must also:

-        Be over 16 years old

-        Take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people (the cover for this must start no later than  1 February 2024)

-        Be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within five days.

If you do not hold a Certificate of Exemption for your XL Bully from 1 February 2024 onwards, you will be committing a criminal offence and breaching your tenancy agreement.

You can find a lot more information on the Government website about the ban and how to apply for the certificate.

If you have any further questions or require support from us, then you can give us a call on 0333 400 8222.