Following the Government’s decision to add XL Bullys to the list of dogs banned under the
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, we provide this document to help current owners adapt to the new laws.
These changes will come into force in 2 stages.
From 31 December 2023
It will be 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
Foxholes Boarding Kennels will be adhering to all of this legislation and will require customers to
bring their dogs into the kennels with a Muzzle on, this will be removed once on site.
Foxholes will also only have facilities to exercise them on site, we are not able to take them on
Lead walks during their stay, however, we guarantee this will not have any impact on the level of
enrichment your dog receives.
From 1 February 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. If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024.
To get a Certificate of Exemption you must
- Get third party public liability insurance cover for your dog.
- Neuter your dog permanently if it is not already neutered. A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered.
- Pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep.
- Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog
Prior to booking your XL Bully into Foxholes, we will need to see all required documentation as
above, this will be added to your booking portal.
To keep an XL Bully dog it must be:
- Microchipped – Foxholes need this added to your online booking Portal.
- Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public, once on our site this is not a requirement for boarding.
- Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape, hence, us not being able to walk off-site.
- Neutered – Foxholes require evidence of this from your Vet.
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 5 days – Foxholes MUST have a copy of this
added to your profile to evidence the same, should the need arise.
Every aspect of your XL Bully’s profile MUST be completed in significant detail, particularly regarding their training, commands, behaviour and temperament.