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Animal rescue centres are at “huge risk” of being inundated with abandoned XL bully dogs as a Government ban looms, the RSPCA has warned.
From December 31 the dogs must be muzzled in public and it will be illegal to breed, sell or abandon them, although owners can ask a vet to put them down and claim compensation.
Owners will need to apply for an exemption to keep their dogs after February 1 2023.
The RSPCA, which opposes the ban, has warned that vets and rescue centres across the country are already seeing an increase in the abandoned breed and that many may be unable to cope with the rising demand.
It comes after the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) warned of increased abandonment rates and said the new rules may lead to a “postcode lottery” for vets being able to help owners meet the terms.
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We have long campaigned against breed-specific legislation, which bans dogs simply due to the way they look.
“This has failed to effectively protect the public and animal’s welfare and has seen numerous dogs who haven’t proven aggression lose their lives.
“Already, there are anecdotal stories of dogs being surrendered or deserted throughout the rescue sector – and we worry because the deadline for the XL bully canine looms, this downside goes to worsen.
“There is a big threat that rescue centres and the veterinary occupation won’t be able to deal with the calls for placed on them by this regulation“We urgently want extra info and help from the UK Government in order that we will help help house owners and dogs affected by this ban.”
The full ban will come into place on February 1, which means house owners have simply over six weeks left to use for an exemption certificates to maintain their dogs, or face potential prison proceedings and a vast superb.
To qualify for an exemption certificates, house owners should show their XL bully has been neutered by June 30.
If the pup is lower than a 12 months old by January 31, they have to neutered by the top of 2024, and proof should be supplied.
There is a big threat that rescue centres and the veterinary occupation won’t be able to deal with the calls for placed on them by this regulation
Dr Samantha Gaines – RSPCA canine welfare skilled
As nicely as neutering their animals, XL bully house owners searching for an exemption should additionally pay an software charge, maintain energetic public legal responsibility insurance coverage for his or her pets and make sure the dogs are microchipped.
So far, 4,000 house owners have utilized for an exemption, though Dr Gaines urged others to come back ahead earlier than the deadline, saying it was vital they put together for the ban “as soon as possible”.
She mentioned there had been greater than 50,000 visits to the RSPCA recommendation web page since September, an “unprecedented number” which displays “deep concern and desire for clarity” from house owners.
The measures had been launched after an increase in canine assaults over recent years. Until 2021 there have been about three deaths a 12 months, however there have since been 23.
People with dangerously uncontrolled dogs might be jailed for 14 years and banned from proudly owning animals, and their pets might be put down.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been approached for remark.
