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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIn England and Wales, an American Bully XL (the legal term is “XL Bully”) can only be kept lawfully with a valid Certificate of Exemption. Possessing one without a valid certificate is a criminal offence, and the ordinary application period has closed. Scotland runs its own separate process.
This guide reflects official guidance as updated on 1 October 2026. It sets out what owners of exempted dogs must keep doing, which earlier requirements have changed, and what Battersea Dogs & Cats Home argues about the policy.
Which rules apply where you live
The rules differ by nation, so start by confirming which one covers the place where the dog lives.
| Area | How an XL Bully is kept lawfully | Application status | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | A valid Certificate of Exemption is required. Possession without one is a criminal offence. | The ordinary application period has closed. New exemptions can only be authorised by a court order. | Defra guidance on the XL Bully ban, updated 1 October 2026 |
| Scotland | A separate Scottish certificate of exemption application process. | Applications closed on 31 July 2024. | GOV.UK exemption page for Scotland |
Do not apply England and Wales procedures in Scotland. This guide does not set out the full current conditions for Scotland, so check the GOV.UK page for Scotland before acting on any Scottish requirement. Northern Ireland is not covered here; check the official guidance for that nation.
Keeping an exempted dog: the continuing conditions
An exemption comes with conditions that continue after the certificate is issued. Official banned-dog guidance on GOV.UK lists the following:
- Microchip the dog.
- Neuter the dog by the deadline set for its age.
- Keep it on a lead and wear a muzzle in public.
- Keep it securely contained.
- Be over 16 and produce the certificate when asked, either at the time or within five days.
- Tell the Index of Exempted Dogs about a change of address or the dog’s death.
Source: GOV.UK guidance on banned dogs.
Neutering deadlines have passed
Defra sets neutering deadlines by the dog’s age on 31 January 2024. If a deadline was missed and evidence was not submitted, the exemption certificate will not be valid. Defra advises owners in this position to contact their local police force and to keep following the other exemption conditions.
Third-party insurance is no longer required
Defra’s guidance, updated 1 October 2026, says third-party public liability insurance is no longer required for banned-breed dogs from 1 July 2026. Older Battersea pages and early government announcements describe earlier requirements, and they are not current on this point. Battersea’s 31 October 2023 owner article includes an insurance checklist that is now historical.
How the legal definition is applied
The legal description is the official conformation standard published by Defra. Defra says the standard is for courts and Dog Legislation Officers, and that it can also help owners assess whether a dog may be in scope. A breed label, a DNA test or your own visual judgement does not settle the legal question on its own. Read the official definition of an XL Bully dog.
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What to do in your situation
| Your situation | What official guidance says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Neutering deadline missed and no evidence submitted | The exemption certificate will not be valid. | Contact your local police force and keep following the other conditions. |
| No valid certificate for an XL Bully in England or Wales | New exemptions can only be authorised by a court order. | Seek legal advice promptly. Do not assume an application route is still open. |
| Unsure whether the dog is an XL Bully | The conformation standard can help assess whether a dog may be in scope. Defra advises a precautionary approach. | Compare the dog against the official definition. If you want to withdraw an existing certificate, use the certificate withdrawal guidance and keep complying until the question is resolved. |
Battersea’s view of the ban
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home supports measures that protect the public but opposes breed-specific bans. In its 31 October 2023 owner article, it argues that banning a breed will not stop dog-bite incidents, and it calls for action on dangerous conduct, irresponsible breeding, prevention and enforcement. This is the charity’s organisational view, not a legal finding.
“The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public – but banning the breed will sadly not stop dog bite incidents recurring.”
The article names no individual speaker. Source: Battersea’s owner article, 31 October 2023.
The Dog Control Coalition’s statement
On 1 November 2023, the Dog Control Coalition, whose statement Battersea published, judged the breed-specific approach inadequate. It raised concerns about the short implementation time, the clarity of the definition and the resources available for enforcement. The statement said:
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“With its continued focus on specific breeds, rather than a focus on prevention and implementation of tougher penalties for those owners not in control of their dogs, it is not fit for purpose.”
The statement is attributed to the coalition, not to a named individual. Source: Battersea’s publication of the coalition statement.
The hospital admissions figures
Battersea’s article reports NHS data on hospital admissions for dog bites and strikes in England: 3,377 in 2000–01 and 8,758 in 2021–22, an increase of 159%. These are Battersea’s 2023 figures drawn from NHS data. They compare two historical years and are not a current annual count.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a muzzle that fits
Because a muzzle is required in public, fit matters as much as owning one. Battersea recommends a basket muzzle, because it lets the dog pant and drink and lets you feed treats through it. Breed does not determine the size; the individual dog’s measurements do. Source: Battersea’s owner article.
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Quick Recap
- Measure the width around the widest part of the dog’s nose.
- Measure the length from just below the eyes to the tip of the nose.
- Check the fitted muzzle: there should be a small space between the nose and the end of the muzzle.
- Compare your measurements with the sizing on any product listing before buying a basket muzzle for a large dog.
- Start muzzle training at home before the dog wears one in public. Battersea’s owner article also points readers to muzzle training.
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