PDSA responds to Defra update on banned dog breeds
15 June 2026
Defra, the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, recently announced some changes affecting XL Bully owners and those with banned dog breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The new changes will come into effect in stages to help owners adapt.
Third-party public liability insurance
From 1 July 2026, if you have an XL Bully or any banned dog in the UK, you will no longer need to have third-party public liability insurance for your Certificate of Exemption. However, you must continue to have third-party public liability insurance until 30 June 2026 for your certificate to remain valid.
If you have an existing third-party pet insurance policy with Dogs Trust and it’s renewed before 30 June 2026, your policy will run for the usual 12-month term. You’ll not be able to renew your third-party pet insurance policy with Dogs Trust once it’s expired.
Child safety
From 1 November 2026, it will become illegal to leave a 12-year-old child or under with an XL Bully dog, or any banned dog from the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, without adult supervision. Therefore, you will need to watch over any child under 12 years old that interacts with your banned breed type dog. Once Defra releases more information on this, we’ll share the details here.
Despite this law focusing on banned breeds, any dog can pose a risk to child, which is why we recommend always supervising children around any type of dog. Find out more about keeping your children safe and happy around dogs here.
Further details of the update and what it means for owners can be found here.
A PDSA spokesperson said: “PDSA welcomes the changes to the XL Bully exemption scheme, which remove the requirement for owners to maintain third-party liability insurance from 1st July 2026.
“We’re pleased that responsible owners will no longer risk falling out of compliance because of circumstances beyond their control.”
“PDSA has long maintained that breed-specific legislation is not the most effective way to keep people and pets safe. We support an evidence-based approach that focuses on responsible ownership, education and early intervention.
“We recognise the important role dogs play in family life and remain committed to promoting responsible ownership and safe interactions between children and dogs.
“Education remains central to preventing incidents. The Children & Pets Survey 2025, conducted by the Pet Education Partnership, found that 21% of children reported being bitten by a pet, while 70% are left alone with a pet at least once a week. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness of safe interactions and responsible pet ownership.
“Any dog, regardless of breed, can pose a risk in certain circumstances. That is why education, supervision and responsible ownership remain so important.”
