With the deadline for exemptions to the XL Bully ban looming, we frequently talk about what this means for owners and their dogs. However, what is sometimes forgotten is the impact the ban will have on others who work with these dogs.
This article focuses on the aspects of the ban which vets and veterinary professionals should be aware of.
What do I need to know about the XL Bully ban?
In effect, owners can choose to exempt their dogs and adhere to the subsequent requirements or choose to have them euthanised. It is certainly worth being aware that some owners might not fully understand the law or their options.
Euthanasia
When an owner chooses to euthanise their dog, they can claim £200 in compensation from the government. This is designed to cover the cost of having the dog euthanised.
Do I need to euthanise XL Bullies?
If an XL Bully owner approaches you to euthanise their dog, there is no obligation for you to agree to do so. Whether for a medical reason or due to moral objections, vets do not have to put perfectly healthy animals to sleep. Nonetheless, this is a highly emotive issue, and the views of the owner should always be respected.
Whether for a medical reason or due to moral objections, vets do not have to put perfectly healthy animals to sleep
In the event you are not prepared to put an owner’s dog to sleep, you should redirect them to another vet who might assist them.
Do I need to identify prohibited dogs?
While there may be some vets who disprove the rule, vets are not ordinarily trained to identify prohibited dogs, and there is no requirement for vets to type a dog before euthanising it. The owner of the dog must confirm on the VCE01 form that they have read the official definition provided by the government and that they believe the dog to be an XL Bully. You will then have to declare that you have euthanised the dog as described in section 1 of the form.
Despite this, if you do not believe the dog is an XL Bully, you may wish to direct the owner to seek advice as to whether their dog is likely to require an exemption or euthanising at all.
If you do not believe the dog is an XL Bully, you may wish to direct the owner to seek advice as to whether their dog is likely to require an exemption or euthanising at all
Confirming ownership – is this my responsibility?
If you are asked to euthanise a dog, you should first make every effort to ensure that the person who is giving their permission is, in fact, the owner.
While scanning the microchip is likely to be a good starting point, a microchip is not conclusive proof of ownership. You should also scan the microchip before euthanising any dog to confirm the details of both the dog and its owner and to check that these details match the information provided on the VCE01 form.
If you are in any doubt, you can refer to paragraphs 29.31 to 29.41 of the microchipping guidance, as issued by the RCVS.
What is different for XL Bully puppies?
Another consideration for the XL Bully ban relates specifically to puppies. Of course, many puppies will not have met their full size by 31 January 2024; nonetheless, if the owner wishes to apply for exemption, they still have to do this before this date, or they may face prosecution at some later stage if their dog does grow to meet the characteristics.
Owners of puppies will have to use their best judgement – effectively, guess! – whether their dog is likely to meet the requirements in future.
What paperwork is involved?
If you do agree to euthanise a dog, you will need to complete sections 1 and 3 of the VCE01 form, a copy of which can be found on the gov.uk website.
Either the owner of the dog or the vet can submit this form; however, if you have any doubt about your ability to ensure the form is submitted in a timely manner, it may be prudent to tell the owner to submit it themselves to avoid any disputes later on.
If you have any doubt about your ability to ensure the form is submitted in a timely manner, it may be prudent to tell the owner to submit it themselves
It is always advisable to keep copies of any forms completed and submitted to Defra as proof of submission and date submitted.
Exemption requirements for XL Bullies
If an owner wishes to keep their dog, there are certain things they must do to comply with the XL Bully ban exemption requirements. Should they fail to comply, they will be in breach. This could lead to the dog being seized and the owner being prosecuted.
To comply with the conditions of exemption, the owner must ensure their dogs are castrated/spayed and microchipped within the expected timeframes.
What do I need to know about castrating and spaying XL Bullies?
There are two dates which you should be aware of:
- 30 June 2024 – deadline for dogs older than one year on 31 January 2024
- 31 December 2024 – deadline for dogs less than one year old on 31 January 2024
If your client wishes to have their XL Bully castrated/spayed as part of the exemption requirements, you will need to complete the VCN01 form. This form will need to be completed and sent to Defra by the respective dates noted above. Details of where it should be sent are contained within the form. Additional guidance as to how the form should be completed is available on the gov.uk website.
What do I need to know about microchipping XL Bullies?
It has been a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of eight weeks old to be microchipped since 6 April 2016. Of course, it is likely that you will come across owners who have not had their dogs microchipped previously; however, there is no responsibility on vets to report this.
Generally, a vet should advise an owner on their legal responsibilities to have their dog microchipped and keep their details updated. Where the owner is asking a vet to microchip their dog, advice as to their responsibilities to have their dog microchipped in the first place is likely to be unnecessary. However, it is worth reminding the owner to keep the details on the chip updated, especially as this will be even more vital where the dog is of a prohibited type.
It is worth reminding the owner to keep the details on the chip updated, especially as this will be even more vital where the dog is of a prohibited type
Once the microchip is fitted, the owner should be provided with a number which they can include in their application for exemption.
If the dog is less than eight weeks old on 31 January 2024, or if there is a medical reason why a microchip cannot be fitted by this date, the microchip must be fitted and the relevant certificate submitted by 31 March 2024.
