Dogs: Important information for XL Bully owners

Sanctuary residents in England who own an XL Bully dog need to apply for a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to legally keep your pet beyond 31 January 2024. 

You will find more details about how to apply for this certificate on the government website: Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs - GOV.UK.   

You will be committing a criminal offence and breaching your tenancy agreement if you do not hold a Certification of Exemption on 1 February 2024. 

From 31 December 2023 in England it will also be against the law to: 

• sell an XL Bully dog. 

• abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray. 

• give away an XL Bully dog. 

• breed from an XL Bully dog. 

• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle. 

If you have any further questions about the XL Bully ban, please phone us on 0800 131 3348 or email contactus@sanctuary.co.uk