Chief vet confirms XL bullies will not be culled
Current owners of American XL bullies will be asked to register their dogs.
The Government’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) has confirmed that existing American XL bullies will not be culled as part of the Government’s ban on the breed.
The Prime Minister announced the proposed ban on 15 September, in response to the death of a man attacked by two suspected American XL bullies.
Rishi Sunak said that work would begin for experts to define the breed, before it is banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The police or local council dog wardens are legally able to seize any suspected banned dog even if it has not acted dangerously and there has been no complaint.
A dog that matches the characteristics of a banned breed may also be seized, before the police or a council dog expert judge if it is a legal breed. If this gets taken to court it becomes the owner’s responsibility to prove it is not banned.
The Government states that, if your dog is a banned breed, you may receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for six months (or both). Your dog would also be destroyed.
However the CVO, Christine Middlemiss, has stated that there will not be a cull of existing American XL bullies. Instead there will be an amnesty, with current owners of the breed being asked to register their dogs.
Owners will be allowed to keep their American XL bully providing that it is neutered, insured and muzzled and on a lead when out in public.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Professor Middlemiss said: "There will be an amnesty. So people that already have these dogs - and some of them will be well socialised, well managed, well trained - you will need to register and take certain actions.
"Your dog will need to be neutered. It will need to be muzzled when out in public and on a lead and insured.
"But if you comply with these actions, and that means we'll know where these dogs are, which will be a massive benefit, then yes, absolutely you will be able to keep your dog."
Image © Shutterstock
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
