Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 21st May 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

XL bully neutering scheme extended
The scheme will continue until all current funding has been allocated.

The fund supports owners with neutering costs.

A financial assistance scheme, organised to support owners of XL bully type dogs with neutering costs, has been extended.

The extension comes as the scheme, launched by the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Battersea, receives more applications for support ahead of the neutering deadline on 30 June.

From 30 June 2024, XL bully type dogs which were over the age of one on 31 January 2024 must be neutered.

Dogs which were less than one-year-old, but over seven months old, should be neutered by 31 December 2024. A recent extension means that dogs which were under the age of seven months on 31 January 2023 must be neutered by 30 June 2025.

Owners must then send confirmation of neutering, signed by their veterinary surgeon, to Defra.

To meet the demand for financial support, the scheme has now been extended. It will now continue to run until all the current funding has been allocated.

The XL bully neutering scheme is designed to support owners of XL bully type dogs who have applied for exemption for their dog, but for whom financial hardship makes it difficult for them to meet the neutering requirements.

Veterinary practices must apply for the fund on their client’s behalf. Clients may be eligible for up to £250, dependent on the dog’s gender and the procedure.

The exemption scheme is on track to support 1,000 owners with their neutering costs. There are over 450 veterinary practices currently registered to the scheme.

The charities say that owners of XL bully type dogs should not delay in getting their pet neutered, and should speak to their veterinary practice about financial support if needed.

Cassie Newman, RSPCA assistant director of animal services, said: “The ban on XL bullies left a lot of dog-owners worried about the future of their beloved pet.

“We know that there are many much-loved XL bullies out there but whose owners couldn’t afford to pay for the neutering requirement, and we are really pleased that this scheme has been popular.

“We hope the scheme will help avoid some situations where owners might otherwise choose euthanasia because of cost concerns.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.