Our position on the XL Bully ban

PDSA’s position on the Dangerous Dogs Act remains unchanged; breed specific legislation is ineffective because any dog can be aggressive. Since the Act was introduced 32 years ago, it has not resulted in a reduction of dog bites or human deaths. 

While we agree that urgent action is needed to protect the public from dangerous dogs, we’re disappointed England, Wales, Scotland have introduced breed specific restrictions on XL Bully type dogs. With Northern Ireland planning to follow the same course of action soon.

What we need is a reform of the Dangerous Dogs Act, more rigorous enforcement of existing dog control laws, along with a central database of dog bite incidents which would allow for effective reporting, monitoring and further research. Alongside real human-behaviour change interventions to promote safe human-dog interactions and responsible dog ownership and breeding.   

We do not believe that adding XL Bully dogs to the list of banned breeds will be an effective way to protect the public.

PDSA’s focus is to support XL Bully owners as best we can as they negotiate these regulations.

As with most dogs, many XL Bully dogs are well socialised and trained family pets, with loving owners, who are no more likely to bite than any other breed. Our focus is to ensure long and happy lives for those dogs with their owners.

It’s important to be aware, whilst a ban and restrictions have been brought in during 2024, the current population of these dogs will be around for many years to come (with the average lifespan being around 10-12 years).

We’re concerned that the potential stigma of owning a ‘banned breed’ could sadly lead to owners feeling unable to walk or socialise their dogs, which can increase anti-social behaviour and aggression. This will no doubt have a severe negative impact upon the welfare of these dogs; their health and welfare must remain an upmost priority.

We know it will cost owners a significant amount to comply with these restrictions, including the cost to apply for a Certificate of Exemption, the cost of microchipping, as well as the cost of neutering, which can be in the region of hundreds of pounds. Many owners may struggle to afford these costs that they will have to undertake in a short period of time, particularly during the cost of living crisis. We worry this will leave responsible owners forced to consider euthanasia of their well-loved family dogs. 

With no help to cover these costs announced from the Government for owners across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it leaves animal charities like PDSA left to pick up the pieces and provide vital help to dog owners.

On top of this, the veterinary sector, which is already under pressure, will be stretched further as XL Bully owners rush to neuter or euthanise their pets to comply with the new regulations in the short timeframe given. It appears the logistical reality of neutering tens of thousands of dogs (that fall within the UK Governments hugely subjective definition of an XL Bully type) within the given timeframe has not been fully considered, despite being flagged as a concern by the profession.   

Additionally, vets will now undoubtedly be asked to euthanise healthy dogs simply because of how they look. We worry about the impact on all affected by this legislation including our teams, and the rest of the profession. 

PDSA’s core focus is to support dog owners, with our aim being to keep people and pets together.