Some dogs in the UK are banned but why were American XL Bullies added to the list?

From February 1, 2024, owning the XL Bully breed became a criminal offence in England and Wales if owners don’t have an exemption certificate.

Anyone who owns one of the dogs needs to have had the animal neutered and microchipped.

They must also be kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.

Illegal XL bullies may be put down if owners are non-compliant, police head says

Owning an XL bully dog without putting safeguards in place was made illegal in Scotland from February 23.

It also became an offence to sell, abandon, give away or breed XL Bully dogs.

Why were XL Bullies banned in the UK?

The ban was decided by the government after a spate of dog attacks occurred, involving the breed.

In some cases, the victims of the attacks died as a result.

The ban was enforced in an attempt to prevent further attacks involving XL Bullies.

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What other dogs are banned in the UK?

The following dogs are banned in the UK, according to the government website:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

It is also against the law to:

  • Sell a banned dog
  • Abandon a banned dog
  • Give away a banned dog
  • Breed from a banned dog

The government website added: "Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.

"For example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type."