The deadline for neutering the youngest XL Bully dogs is to be extended following engagement with the veterinary industry.
The new deadline to neuter XL Bully dogs under seven months old on 31 January 2024 will be 30 June 2025. We will make this change through legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.
This is to ensure we safely manage the existing XL Bully dog population, balancing the welfare of these animals with keeping people safe.
The neutering schedule for older dogs remains the same. For dogs over one-year-old on 31 January 2024, this has to be done by 30 June 2024, while dogs aged 7 – 12 months on 31 January 2024 must be neutered by the end of 2024.
With just over three months before the first deadline, 30 June 2024, owners of older dogs are reminded to book an appointment with the vet in good time.
If evidence is not provided that the dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to keep an XL Bully dog, and it may be seized by the police.
It remains an offence to breed or rehome an XL Bully dog regardless of age.
