A Herefordshire secure field has provided dog owners with an important update on the day that new restrictions on XL Bully dogs come into force in the United Kingdom.
Marilyns Meadow, based on the outskirts of Hereford said:
“The ban of XL Bully Dogs comes into force as of tomorrow, the 31st December 2023.
“It will then become illegal to breed, sell, exchange, gift, advertise, rehome, abandon or allow an XL Bully to stray in England and Wales.
“We want our clients to know that we do not discriminate and we welcome you if you have an XL Bully, or a doggy that is a Bully type then we are here to support you to allow your pets a freedom walk.
“We have rules of course, and all owners of XL Bully dogs will know they need insurance and a certificate for their pet.
“Here at the Meadow we allow Bully’s to enjoy freedom whilst in the meadow with no muzzle and lead.
“Our rules remain in the car parks and all dogs must be in your vehicle before having any contact with any other vehicle, and before leaving and entering the field.
“We must ensure all our customers and their dogs are safe. We will be updating terms & conditions, and our socials.
“Please message if you want more information. We are here to help all of you and make using the Meadow fair, accessible & fun!”
From the UK Government:
New restrictions on the XL Bully dogs are now in force (31 December) making it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.
It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray from today.
The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from these dangerous dogs, with 23 people sadly losing their lives after vicious dog attacks in the last three years. XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths.
Owners are also being urged to apply to register their current XL Bully dogs, as the Government takes action to safely manage the existing population of the breed. There is only a month left to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February.
Owning an unregistered dog after this date will be a criminal offence, with owners who don’t facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine.
Owners who do not want to keep their dogs after this date should take them to a vet to have them put down.
If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL Bully, they should check their dog carefully against our guidance and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them decide.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023.
“We have met that pledge – it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.”
All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.
The Government has taken a staggered approach to safely manage the existing population of XL Bully dogs, while ultimately banning the breed.
On the 31 October, XL Bully dogs were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with owners given two months to prepare for the first stage of the ban.
Since the 3 December [today], it is illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.
All XL Bully dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.
From 1st February all XL Bully dogs which must be registered.
From 30 June, XL Bully dogs over 1 year old must be neutered, this is extended until the 31 December for younger dogs.
