The RSPCA has urged XL Bully homeowners to register their dogs for exemption earlier than the deadline at midday on Wednesday (31 January) – with the charity “heartbroken” by the forthcoming change in regulation.
From 1 February, will probably be unlawful to personal an XL Bully except exempted – so the RSPCA is reminding homeowners to make sure they’ve registered their canine underneath the exemption scheme to allow them to hold them legally.
Online purposes to exempt an XL Bully shut at midday on Wednesday 31 January. It will probably be unlawful to personal an XL Bully in England and Wales from the next day if the exemption course of has not been accomplished.
If an proprietor cannot present their certificates or proof of utility then they’re in breach of the regulation and their canine might be seized, put to sleep or they might face a felony file and a effective.
RSPCA canine welfare knowledgeable Dr Samantha Gaines stated: “We’re all heartbroken that we’ve reached this level and, as members of the Dog Control Coalition, we’ve been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to attempt to work with the UK Government to seek out a substitute for this ban in addition to to minimise its hurt on canine welfare and human nicely being. But, sadly, from 1 February will probably be unlawful to personal any XL Bullies with out an exemption certificates and it’s also unlawful to rehome, promote, present, breed or abandon one.
“That’s why we’re urgently reminding owners of dogs who could be identified as an XL Bully under the UK Government’s new legislation to apply for an exemption certificate, even if they aren’t sure if their dog is an XL bully and are only doing so as a precaution.”
Owners of XL Bullies in England and Wales can apply for exemption on the UK Government website. There is a price of £92.40 per canine and a requirement to have third celebration public legal responsibility insurance coverage for banned breeds. This sort of insurance coverage is available by way of the Dogs Trust companion membership and knowledge is on its website.
As a part of the exemption course of, XL Bully homeowners may even have to make sure:
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The canine is neutered (the dates at which your canine must be neutered relies on their age and extra info will be discovered on the UK Government website);
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The canine is microchipped;
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Third celebration insurance coverage is obtained;
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A certificates of exemption is issued;
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That the canine is saved on the similar tackle because the registered keeper aside from as much as 30 days in 12 months;
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They notify the company of any change of tackle;
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They notify the company of the dying or export of the canine;
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They hold the canine muzzled and on a lead when in a public place;
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They hold the canine in sufficiently safe circumstances to forestall escape.
Dr Gaines added: “Breed specific legislation punishes dogs based on their appearance and we have spent years fiercely fighting this law and calling for a new approach. We remain opposed to this law and will continue to work with other charities to encourage the UK Government to, instead, focus on legislation which would better protect the public while also protecting dogs and promote responsible ownership.”
Dogs aged lower than one yr old by 31 January 2024 should even be neutered by 31 December 2024, and dogs older than one have to be neutered by 30 June 2024. The RSPCA is urging homeowners to rearrange for his or her canine to be neutered as quickly as attainable to keep away from lacking the deadline and risking the flexibility to legally hold their canine. Blue Cross, Battersea and the RSPCA have partnered on a neutering scheme to assist eligible homeowners.
The RSPCA is a part of the Dog Control Coalition*, which doesn’t agree with the ban on XL Bullies. Behind the scenes, the Coalition has been working to foyer the governments within the UK to minimise the affect of this laws on accountable canine homeowners, behaviourally sound dogs and on veterinary professionals and their groups.
