What Should You Do If You Own An XL Bully Dog?

We have some advice and guidance for Nehemiah tenants who own an XL Bully dog, after the Government recently ruled to add the breed to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 from 31 December 2023.

Certificate Of Exemption

If you own an XL Bully dog, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption to legally keep your pet after 31 January 2024.

Without a certificate, you will be breaking the law to own an XL Bully dog from 1 February – a criminal offence and a breach of your tenancy agreement with Nehemiah.

As part of the application process, you will need to make sure your XL Bully dog is neutered, microchipped, kept in a secure location, kept on a lead and with a muzzle on when in public, and owned by someone aged 16 and over.

You can find out more about the certificates, including how to apply, on Gov.uk.

Be A Responsible Dog Owner

As well as applying for a Certificate of Exemption, owners of XL Bully dogs in England won’t be allowed to do any of the following from 31 December:

• Sell an XL Bully dog
• Abandon an XL Bully dog
• Give an XL bully dog away
• Breed from an XL Bully dog
• Have an XL Bully dog in public without a lead or muzzle on

Happy To Help & Provide Support

At Nehemiah, we want every tenant to be able to live in a comfortable and safe home. This is why we believe in responsible pet ownership by tenants and are here to help if you own an XL Bully dog and want to keep your pet after 31 December 2023.

We can help you to fill in the form for the Certificate of Exemption and provide advice on how to legally keep and look after your XL Bully dog going forward.

You can contact your Housing Officer or call us on 0121 358 0966 or email contact@nehemiah.co.uk and we will do all we can to ensure you can continue to care for your XL Bully dog.  Please also take a look at Nehemiah’s policy on keeping pets here. This policy is being reviewed and will be updated in January 2024