XL Bully Ban: Neutering deadlines and Legislative changes

19 November 2024

Neutering Deadline

The neutering deadline for XL Bully dogs aged at least 7 months but less than 12 months on 31st January 2024 is approaching and vets in small animal practice may wish to be aware that owners of these dogs have been sent reminders by Defra advising them that for their Certificate of Exemption to remain valid, they need to have their dog neutered and inform Defra that this has been done by 31st December 2024. This reminder may result in veterinary practices being contacted by owners over the next few weeks to arrange for neutering to be carried out.

Defra is encouraging owners to contact their veterinary surgeon as soon as possible to ensure they obtain an appointment in good time before the deadline as there are no exceptions to this neutering requirement. Owners are reminded that a confirmation of neutering form must be completed by them and their vet and they must return it to Defra by 31st December 2024 at the latest. The form is available here.

An APHA Briefing Note (BN) for vets has been issued which is available here.

Legislative changes

Defra is also introducing amendments to existing legislation covering dangerous dogs which are due to come into force on 5th December 2024 and are applicable in England and Wales, The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2024. The Order is intended to address welfare concerns relating to neutering requirements that apply to the youngest XL Bully dogs, ensure consistency across various regulations and reduce the administrative burden on owners.

Some of the key changes being introduced are outlined below:

  • Extending the neutering deadline for XL bully dogs that were aged under 7 months on 31st January 2024, from 31st December 2024 to 30th June 2025.
  • Owners holding a Certificate of Exemption are required to provide evidence of insurance on request by Defra (within five days), rather than sending their insurance renewal to Defra each year.
  • A change to allow substitution of the registered person in charge of an exempted dog in the event of the death or serious illness of the exemption holder.
  • Alignment with the microchipping regulations so that if a vet certifies that a dog going through a court process cannot be microchipped for reasons relating to health, then a Certificate of Exemption can still be issued on the condition that the owner ensures it is microchipped within 28 days of the date on which it is deemed fit to be microchipped by the vet.

Detailed information on the requirements of the XL Bully ban in England and Wales is available here.