XL Bully dogs

As you may be aware, a series of regulations to ban the XL Bully and add it to the list of dogs on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was passed by the Government, which came into effect at the end of last year.

From December 31, 2023 it is against the law to:

• sell an XL Bully dog
• abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
• give away an XL Bully dog
• breed from an XL Bully dog
• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

From February 1, 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.

What this means for Homes in Sedgemoor customers

If you currently own an XL Bully, you will be able to keep your pet.

We are amending our current Pet Policy to allow customers to keep their XL Bully, provided all legal requirements are met and you inform Homes in Sedgemoor by contacting Customer Services.

Customers are asked to inform Homes in Sedgemoor by January 31, 2024 where possible.

To keep an XL Bully after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by January 31, 2024. To get a Certificate of Exemption you must:

1. Get third party public liability insurance cover for your dog
2. Ensure your dog is neutered permanently 
3. Pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep 
4. Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog

To keep an XL Bully dog, it must be:

• microchipped
• kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
• kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
• neutered

As the owner, you must also:

• be over 16 years old
• take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people
• 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

The full details of regulations can be found on the Government’s website at www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs.

How to know if you have an XL Bully

If you are unsure whether your dog is an XL Bully, please follow the guidance shared by the Government on its website, www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs.

There, you will find helpful information about the breed, its characteristics, and what to do if you are not sure. You will also find all the information about how to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

What to do if you have any questions

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your dog in your home, then please contact our Customer Services Team before January 31, 2024. Please be assured that we are here to help you live happily and safely with your XL Bully.