A new piece of legislation affecting tens of thousands of dog owners across the UK will come into force on November 1.
A number of dog breeds are currently prohibited in the UK. It is illegal to own a Pit Bull Terrier, a Japanese Tosa, a Dogo Argentino, a Fila Brasileiro, or an XL Bully, and it is equally unlawful to sell, abandon, give away, or breed from any banned dog in the UK. However, certain owners may be legally entitled to keep a banned breed provided they hold a Certificate of Exemption.
More than 50,000 such certificates are currently in existence across the UK. The majority of these relate to XL Bullies, which were banned in February 2024. The breed is characterised as large dogs "with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power".
The prohibition was introduced following a succession of fatal attacks involving XL Bullies, including the tragic deaths of children. While a Certificate of Exemption does allow owners to keep their dog, a stringent set of rules must be adhered to throughout the animal's entire lifetime.
For instance, owners are obliged to notify the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of any permanent change of address, inform Defra should the dog die or be exported, and ensure the dog is muzzled in all public places at all times. Owners must also keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder, though the animal may stay at an alternative address for no more than 30 days per year.
These dogs must also be kept on a lead in public areas, firmly held by an individual aged at least 16, and must be housed in secure conditions that will prevent them from getting out. A new law will take effect on November 1.
From that date onwards, it will become an offence to leave a child under 12 in close proximity to an XL Bully, or any other prohibited dog, in a private setting (such as a home or garden), without adult supervision. Irrespective of the legislation, the RSPCA recommends that children should never be left unattended with dogs, even if it's your own pet and they have never displayed aggression previously.
Young children, especially those under 12, face a heightened risk of dog-related injuries within the home, where incidents frequently involve a familiar dog. Children may act in ways that some dogs find unsettling, including close proximity, abrupt movements, and producing loud sounds.
Government guidance additionally indicates that dogs may be more prone to react unpredictably if they are stressed, poorly, overwhelmed or unable to distance themselves from children. Adults should remain alert to situations where a dog may require space, and "separate the child and dog where necessary."
New November Law Affects Thousands of UK Dog Owners