UPDATE: The High Court has temporarily put a stay on the new regulation coming into force.
A ban on XL Bully dogs will take effect starting February 1, 2025, making it illegal to keep one without a certificate of exemption. This regulation follows a series of high-profile incidents involving the breed, prompting public safety concerns.
From February 1, 2025, owning an XL Bully without the necessary exemption will become a criminal offense. The ban was introduced in two phases, with the first phase banning the import, breeding, selling, and rehoming of XL Bully dogs starting October 1, 2024.
Owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption to legally keep their XL Bully dogs. Only 235 applications had been processed by mid-January 2025, indicating a significant number of owners might not comply with the new law.
The ban aims to reduce the risks associated with this breed, which has been involved in numerous dog attacks. Police and animal welfare organizations are preparing for increased enforcement and support for owners.
There’s an anticipated financial burden on policing, with costs related to vet fees and kennelling expected to reach millions by April 2025 due to the enforcement of the ban.
The decision has sparked a debate among dog owners, animal rights groups, and the public. Some argue the ban is overly broad or that it unfairly targets a specific breed, while others see it as a necessary step for public safety.
Despite the new ban, the number of dog attacks has not decreased, raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures. There’s also a noted increase in the interest in other potentially dangerous breeds, suggesting a possible shift in “status” dog preferences.
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