Torus tenants who own an XL Bully dog need to apply for a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to legally keep their 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. Find the Governments, official definition of an XL Bully dog here.
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.
The process of obtaining exemption includes ensuring the dog is:
- Neutered (confirmed by a vet)
- Microchipped
- Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public - for Torus tenants this would include any communal areas, including inside blocks of flats.
- Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
- Owned by an adult over the age of 16
From 31 December 2023 in England, it will 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 an owner thinks their dog could be an XL Bully dog, they should comply with all new requirements. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully dog.
Torus would like to reassure all customers, that we do not wish to evict anyone for owning an XL Bully, nor does Torus wish for tenants’ dogs to be euthanised if this is avoidable.
Torus can not make third party reports on resident's behalf. If you suspect that your neighbour or another resident has a banned breed, please report directly to the Police or Local Authority Officers, it is their role to enforce the law regarding Certificates of Exemption. Torus are unable to determine if a dog is a banned breed. However, we will work with and support partners.
We will provide more information in the new year, regarding providing proof of exemption, third party insurance and permissions.
If you have any further questions about the XL Bully ban, please contact us.