Extension to neutering date for XL bully puppies

Extension to the neutering deadline for XL Bully dogs that were under seven months on the 31st January 2024.

The deadline for neutering the youngest XL Bully dogs is to be extended following engagement with the veterinary industry.

The new deadline to neuter XL Bully dogs that were under seven months on the 31st January 2024 will be 30th June 2025. We will make this change through legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

This is to make sure we safely manage the existing XL Bully dog population, balancing the welfare of these animals with keeping people safe.

Neutering for older dogs remains the same. For dogs that were over 1 year on the 31st January 2024, this has to be done by the 30th June 2024, while dogs aged 7 – 12 months on the 31st January 2024 must be neutered by the end of 2024.

With just over three months before the first deadline of 30th June 2024, owners of older dogs are reminded to book an appointment with the vet in good time.

If evidence is not provided that the dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to keep an XL Bully dog and it may be seized by the police.

It remains an offence to breed or rehome an XL Bully dog regardless of its age.

Source:Government website

 

Owners who missed the deadline due to technical issues

XL BULLY OWNERS WHO FAILED TO SECURE EXEMPTION IN TIME:
We have had numerous enquiries in the last 48 hours from utterly distraught people who suffered technical failures one way or another and have had their applications rejected or returned. Some dogs have been seized and some owners have signed their dogs over to be destroyed, believing that there is now no other option for them – this is not true! There is still an exemption process in place but it must take place via the Court system rather than the online portal.
We do not have any answers right now for owners in this situation as to how it may be rectified BUT PLEASE REST ASSURED WE ARE MAKING THE RELEVANT ENQUIRIES AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
If this is you DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE. Do not panic. DO NOT GIVE UP! DO NOT SIGN YOUR DOG OVER TO BE DESTROYED! Contact us and tell us what went wrong with your application, and if we can possibly help you and your dog then we will. THIS POST IS FOR GENUINE CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY AND WE WILL NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID AND WHY IT DID NOT WORK!
The time for voluntary exemption has passed but you must still stand by your dog. You do not need to make any hasty decisions now or feel as if there is no way forward. If you are a responsible owner who has tried to do the right thing then we beg you, do not give up on them now!
Get in touch if this applies to you. We will try to help but we need to know about your situation NOW!
Please remember that none of this is the fault of the police and if you should happen to receive a visit you should always be polite and cooperative. Police officers did not make this law, they simply have a job to do to enforce it. Please do not be rude or unreasonable – remember that your conduct reflects very seriously on your suitability as a dog owner, and your dog’s behaviour is equally important.

Source: Carla Lane Animals in Need

HEALTH COVER ANNOUNCED FOR XL BULLIES INCLUDING NEW CLIENTS

Agria Pet Insurance has announced that it will support American XL Bully owners by providing lifetime veterinary fee cover for both existing and new policy holders.
The company says that although some UK insurers are continuing to offer protection to existing policy holders, Agria is one of the few insurers to offer lifetime veterinary fee cover to new customers.

Insurance will be available to owners who have an exemption certificate.

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “We know that the last few months have been particularly difficult for owners of American XLBully dogs, and we are pleased to be able to reassure them that we can provide lifetime veterinary fee cover for their dog, so we can support them in prioritising their pet’s welfare”.

The company says that although it can provide cover for veterinary fees, it can’t cover third party liability.

Source: www.vetsurgeon.org