As the deadline for XL bully dog registration in England and Wales passed on Wednesday, police are set to take firm action against owners who fail to comply with the new regulations. The National Police Chiefs’ Council dangerous dogs lead, Mark Hobrough, has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the behaviour of illegal XL bully owners during seizures may influence court decisions on whether the dog should be put down.
The ban on owning an XL bully dog without an exemption certificate is now a criminal offence, with unregistered pets subject to seizure and owners facing possible fines and prosecution. Despite an expected registration of around 40,000 XL bullies before the deadline, there are concerns that thousands remain unregistered.
Mark Hobrough urged the public to report non-compliant XL bully owners to enable officers to assess the animals. Seized dogs will be taken to kennels, pending a court decision on whether they pose a danger to public safety and should be destroyed.
