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New XL bully rules come into force
A judicial review into the ban will be held in January.
Restrictions introduced ahead of next month's ban.

XL bully dogs must now be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public, after new restrictions on the breed came into force on 31 December.

It is also now against the law to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or allow an XL bully to stray.

A ban on owning the breed will come into force on 1 February. Owners are being urged by the Government to apply for an exemption certificate before the deadline of 31 January. More than 4,000 applications have already been made.

The new laws, which apply to England and Wales, were introduced under the Dangerous Dogs Act following a string of fatal dog attacks, many of which involved XL bully type dogs.

However, the legislation has been controversial. The Dog Control Coalition, which is made up of charities including the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, has opposed the ban, and MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have called for the Government to offer greater clarification on the definition of the breed.

A judicial review will be held in January, following an application by the campaign group Don’t Ban Me - License Me, to decide whether the ban is lawful.

Environment secretary Steve Barclay said: “The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023.

“We have met that pledge - it is now a legal requirement for XL bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL bully dogs stray.

“All XL bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.”

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.