On December 31st 2023, the Government added the XL Bully breed of dog to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
They introduced a phased change in law to allow current owners of the breed time to adapt to the new legislation. Below we have outlined the key points, that all of us, including NPH tenants, are bound by. Here's a summary of the new laws and a reminder of what the NPH tenancy agreement says in relation to dog ownership.
On 31 December 2023 it became an offence for any person 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
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption. If we become aware that any of our residents own an XL Bully, we'll advise them to adhere to the following guidance:
For exisitng NPH tenants:
If an existing tenant already owns an XL Bully dog, then they must obtain our written permission as per the tenancy agreement. They would also need to evidence that they have a Certificate of Exemption, required by law from 1st February 2024. The tenant would also be expected to meet the criteria as a responsible dog owner.
If you are an NPH resident and you live in a house, you can keep a maximum of two dogs. Dogs are not permitted in flats or bedsits. Only in special circumstances would we grant permission, subject to meeting specific criteria, which can include the following:
- you need a guide dog
- your GP, or another health or wellbeing professional, has recommended you keep one
- you are a repeat victim of crime
For new tenants, after 1st February 2024, that have a Certificate of Exemption in place:
If a new tenant already owns an XL Bully dog, then they should obtain our written permission in the first instance, as per the tenancy agreement.
NPH tenants can apply to keep a dog via our website here.
If you have any questions or concerns surrounding the new laws, please contact us on 0300 330 7003 or email neighbourhoods@nph.org.uk
Further resources:
Dogs Trust – Useful information for XL Bully dog owners:
www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/at-home/american-bully-xl
Government website – for up-to-date guidelines surrounding the new legislation:
www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
Government website – how to check for an XL Bully dog:
www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs#check-if-your-dog-is-an-xl-bully-dog