XL Bullies
Following the introduction of recent government legislation, Leicester City Council tenants who keep an XL Bully must apply for and submit an exemption certificate to the council if they wish to keep their dog(s) in the property. Tenants must also keep the dog(s) on a lead and muzzle, and under proper control in all public areas or when receiving visitors at home.
All council tenants who own an XL Bully must provide the city council with a copy of their Certificate of Exemption by 1 February 2024, to show they are complying with the law. Those that do not provide this will be reported to the police.
The new laws comes into force in two stages
Stage 1
From 31 December 2023, it is against the law to:
- Sell an XL Bully dog
- Abandon an XL Bully dog
- Give away an XL Bully dog
- Breed from an XL Bully dog
- Have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle.
Stage 2
From 1 February 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England or Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for the dog.
Conditions for keeping an XL Bully
- Your dog must be microchipped.
- Keep it on a lead and muzzling your dog in public.
- Neuter your dog - If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to make sure that you meet these deadlines.
Giving up your XL Bully
If you decide not to keep your XL Bully, you will need to take the dog to a registered vet to euthanise it. There is a compensation scheme available that will help towards the cost of euthanasia if you choose this option.
Submitting a Certificate of Exemption
You can send a copy of your exemption certificate to your housing officer via email or by post to:
Housing Services
Customer Service Centre
91 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FB.