The XL bully breed will be added to the list of animals banned under the ‘Dangerous Dog Act’ by 31 December 2023.
The government announced the new legislation earlier today and it comes after a rise in attacks and deaths associated with the breed.
The new law will be phased in over several months and the first step will make breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming and abandoning illegal from 31 December.
By this time XL bully dogs must also be muzzled and on a lead in public and by 1 February 2024 it will then become illegal to own the breed altogether.
The Prime Minister described the breed as a ‘danger to communities’ in September this year and there has been a lot of controversy over the potential ban.
Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey, said: “The Government is taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks.”
Owners may be able to keep their dogs if they apply for them to be registered on the ‘Index of Exempted Dogs’ and comply with a strict set of rules by the end of January.
These rules include keeping the dog muzzled, neutered, microchipped and kept on a lead in public.
The Government are offering £200 in compensation for owners who decide to have their dogs put to sleep by a vet.