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Government urged to publish XL bully exemption info
From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully without a Certificate of Exemption.
Charity accuses Government of causing anxiety for owners.

Animal welfare charity Blue Cross has called on the Government to provide information on how owners of American XL bully dogs can apply for a Certificate of Exemption before the ban on the breed comes into force.

Although owners have only 12 weeks to register their dogs, it is still unclear when the online registration portal will open. From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully without a Certificate of Exemption.

The charity has said that the delay in providing the information is causing stress for owners.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has provided some guidance for owners, asking people who think they own an XL bully to check the official definition. From 31 December 2023, they will have to ensure their dog is muzzled and kept on a lead when in public.

The website recommends that owners who are unsure whether their dog fits the criteria to take a precautionary approach.

Becky Thwaites, head of public affairs at Blue Cross, said: “To announce the ban as coming into force without advice for those owners of well behaved and much-loved pets in how they take action as soon as possible to register their dogs as exempt, is incredibly alarming and unfair.

“The Government has put a huge amount of anxiety and stress on owners of the types of dogs that could be caught up in the ban under the very wide breed type definition provided.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.