XL Bully ban: Sheffield owners of ‘dangerous’ dog breed have one month to neuter their pets says government

Owners of XL Bully dogs in Sheffield have one month to have their pet neutered before the national mandatory deadline for older dogs comes into force.

Any registered XL Bully that was aged 12 months or older on January 31, 2024, must be neutered by June 30 in order for the ‘certificate of exemption’ to remain valid.

Government officials have warned owners that if they do not submit the ‘confirmation of neutering’ form to Defra by July 26, the dog will no longer be ‘exempt’.

For XL Bully dogs already neutered, a vet must complete and submit a ‘confirmation of neutering’ VCN01 form with the owner.

It comes after the dog breed was placed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which officially came into force earlier this year. The ban means strict controls have been implemented for existing XL Bullies – they must be registered, neutered and kept muzzled and on a lead in public. 

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These measures will enhance public safety while making sure that the existing population of XL Bullies reduces over time.

Anyone found in possession of these dangerous dogs and not meeting the strict rules could have their dog seized, and faces prosecution and a criminal record.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “The legal deadline for XL Bullies to be neutered is now only one month away. Do not risk leaving it to the last minute, owners should book in to get their dog neutered as soon as possible.

“If evidence is not provided that the dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to keep an XL Bully dog and it could be seized by the police.”