On Tuesday 31 October 2023, the UK Government banned the XL Bully breed in England and Wales following a series of serious and, in some cases, fatal attacks.
In response to an increase in incidents and fatalities involving XL Bully dogs, with two major attacks in September and October 2023, the UK Government has now added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
There are now five dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which include Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully.
Scotland: On the 18 January 2024, the Scottish Government confirmed that it will replicate the UK Government’s XL bully ban in Scotland, in line with legislation already implemented in England and Wales.
In Scotland, this means that from the date of commencement of the ban, it will be a criminal offence to have an XL bully dog in Scotland unless it is on the exemption register. Any XL bully dog must also be on a lead and muzzled at all times in a public place, including in a private car.
For more details on what constitutes an “XL Bully Dog” please see the defined characteristics on the UK Government website.
Please download the full guidance below.