XL BULLY dogs will be BANNED in Britain from December 31 this year, ministers confirmed today.
New laws prohibiting the killer breed were formally laid in Parliament today under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
GettyKiller XL Bully dogs will be ILLEGAL to own from December 31 this year[/caption]
Anyone who defies the ban faces up to 14 years behind bars.
They could also be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs may be euthanised.
Under the strict legislation breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.
Existing XL Bullies have been given an amnesty, but from December 31 they’ll have to be muzzled and on a lead in public.
READ MORE POLITICS
Owners can also choose to have the dogs put down by a vet.
From February 1 2024 it will also become illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have informed breeders they must stop mating the dangerous dogs from now ahead of ownership being a criminal offence.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey told The Sun: “This year we have seen a shocking number of incidents involving the XL Bully dog – a breed which appears to be valued by some as a status symbol prized for their aggressive temperament.
“That is why we have legislated to add the XL Bully type dog to the list of banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“This is a key milestone in the delivery of the Prime Minister’s commitment to put in place laws to ban the breed type by the end of year and follows a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities.”
Ms Coffey added: “Dogs dangerously out of control must not be allowed to terrorise people or other animals.
Most read in The Sun
“This quick and decisive action will protect our communities from tragic dog attacks.
“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures and make sure the full force of the law is applied.”
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
