XL Bullies Banned in the UK: What You Must Know
Legal Guide
XL Bullies Banned in the UK: What You Must Know
A straightforward summary of what’s illegal, what exemption owners must do, and where rules differ by nation—plus FAQs and links to official guidance.
At-a-glance
- It’s a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England & Wales without a valid Certificate of Exemption.
- Selling, gifting, breeding, abandoning or allowing to stray is illegal. In public, dogs must be muzzled and on a lead (handled by 16+).
- Insurance, microchipping, secure housing and (now-passed) neutering deadlines apply for exempt dogs.
Important: Exemption application windows are closed in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. New exemptions typically require a court order. Always check official guidance for your nation.
Introduction
Debate around XL Bully–type dogs has led to nationwide restrictions. Understanding what’s banned, what exemptions require, and how rules differ across the UK is essential for owners and the public.
What the ban means in practice
- Ownership: Illegal without a Certificate of Exemption (E/W), similar legal position in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Public: Lead + muzzle required; handler must be 16+.
- Prohibited: Selling, gifting/transferring, breeding, abandoning, or letting an XL Bully stray.
- Exempt dogs (lifetime): must be insured (3rd-party liability), microchipped, kept securely, and (deadlines now passed) neutered with proof submitted.
Rules by UK nation
England & Wales
Ownership without an exemption is a criminal offence. Applications for exemptions are closed; new ones generally only via court order. Neutering proof deadlines have passed.
Scotland
Illegal to own an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption. Application window closed (2024). Lead + muzzle in public; insurance required.
Northern Ireland
Illegal to own an XL Bully without an Exemption Certificate. Application window closed 31 Dec 2024; from 1 Jan 2025 ownership without exemption is an offence.
Official resources & help
- England & Wales – Ban on XL Bully dogs
- Scotland – XL Bully dog rules
- Northern Ireland – New rules now in force
- NI Direct – XL Bully dogs (owner guidance)
Fees & insurance: Earlier exemptions in E/W carried a non-refundable £92.40 fee per dog and required third-party public liability insurance (keep proof of insurance and your certificate ready on request).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for an exemption?
Application windows are closed across the UK. In England & Wales, new exemptions are generally only possible by court order. If you do not have a certificate, contact your local police force for next steps.
What are the day-to-day rules for exempt dogs?
Keep insured (3rd-party liability), microchipped, lead + muzzle in public (handler 16+), kept securely, and present your certificate/insurance/microchip details within 5 days if asked.
Are neutering deadlines still active?
The deadlines have passed. If you missed them, continue complying with all other exemption conditions and contact the police/authority for advice.
Is it legal to rehome, sell or transfer an XL Bully?
No—selling, gifting or transferring XL Bully dogs is illegal. It’s also illegal to abandon a dog or let it stray.
What counts as suitable insurance?
Third-party public liability insurance covering an exempt/banned type, held by the person named on the certificate, renewed annually for the dog’s lifetime.
Stay compliant
Always check the latest official guidance before acting. If you’re unsure whether your dog is classed as XL Bully type, speak to your vet and consult the government identifier guidance.
