From 31 December 2023 the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 will be amended and it will be a criminal offence to:

• Breed or breed from the dog
• Sell or exchange the dog
• Give the dog away
• Allow the dog to be in a public place without being muzzled and kept on a lead
• Abandon the dog or allow it to stray

Please note a public place includes the inside of a motor vehicle if it is in a public place at the time. The muzzle must be sufficient to prevent the dog from biting a person. The lead must be held securely by a person at least 16 years old.

From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless your dog has been exempted. You can now apply for a certificate of exemption to legally keep your dog and information about how to do this is on this Government website.

If you are unsure if your dog is an XL Bully, please look at the UK Government’s broad legal definition of an XL Bully dog.

If your dog is not currently muzzle trained, please look at the Blue Cross muzzle training advice.

If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour, we would encourage you to speak to your vet and they can refer you to an ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist if necessary.

Need extra support and information? Head over to the Dogs Trust website. 

Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the Police under the Dangerous Dogs Act. In an emergency, contact the police directly on 999. Banned or stolen dogs should be reported directly to the Police on 101.

Responsible dog ownership and dangerous dogs | South Wales Police (south-wales.police.uk)