Owners of XL bully dogs are being urged to prepare for the ban which comes into place at the end of next week.

Animal charity RSPCA, which has its headquarters in Horsham, is reminding owners of the key dates which will affect their beloved pets.

From December 31 it will become illegal to breed, give away or sell an XL bully.

Then from February 1, 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales, unless your dog has a valid certificate of exemption.

The RSPCA is reminding XL bully owners that they will be required to have their dogs muzzled and on a lead when in a public place from January 1 and that the deadline for getting a certificate of exemption is looming and only six weeks away.

The animal welfare charity has found there has been deep concern and desire for clarity from pet owners over the recently announced XL bully legislation.

The UK government has guidelines on exempt XL bullies which can be viewed on its website. 

As well as neutering their animals, XL bully owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped.

These measures have been introduced following a rise in dog attacks, including a number of serious incidents in Sussex this year.

There were about three deaths a year in England and Wales until 2021 but there have since been 23.

Louise Lawrence, from Hove, was walking her dog in Kemp Town earlier this year when she and her cavapoo were mauled by a pair of XL bullies.

The RSPCA is opposed to this ban and says it does not believe it is effective in protecting the public, but the charity has to comply with the law and is committed to supporting dog owners in need of help.

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “It is so important that owners of an XL bully start getting prepared for the exemption process as soon as possible.

“As of January 1 XL bullies will need to be on a lead and muzzled when in a public place so it is critical that owners are working with their dogs to help them get used to this change. 

“Owners of dogs will then have until January 31 to apply for exemption as after this date it will be illegal to own an XL bully which is not exempted, which sadly means that you could get a criminal record, your dog could be seized and you could face an unlimited fine.”

Owners of an XL bully can apply for exemption on the government website. There is a fee of £92.40 per dog and owners are required to have third-party public liability insurance for banned breeds.

To meet the requirements of the exemption certificate XL bully owners will need to meet the aforementioned criteria, although depending on your dog’s age extra time will be allowed get your dog neutered.