Government introduces 'tough new rules' on November 1 for thousands of dog owners

Government introduces 'tough new rules' on November 1 for thousands of dog owners Breaching the new rules could lead to up to six months in prison and unlimited fines Dog owners not following a 'tough' law change from today (November 1) will face 'legal consequences', the Government has announced. It is thought that the change in the law will affect thousands of dog owners across the UK. It relates to how dangerous dogs are kept at home - in particular, XL Bullies. Currently, the XL Bully is one of five breeds banned in the UK, with the others being the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasileiro. You are only allowed to keep a banned dog if you have a valid Certificate of Exemption and the dog is not acting dangerously. In January 2024, it became illegal to sell, give away, or abandon an XL Bully, and it became illegal to own one without a valid certificate two months later. It is thought around 61,000 were issued. The Government website says that your dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzle in public, and kept in a secure environment so it can't escape. The owner must also: - be aged over 16 - show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days - let the Index of Exempted Dogs know if you change address, or your dog dies Being a banned breed, it is illegal to: - sell a banned dog - abandon a banned dog - give away a banned dog - breed from a banned dog Law change From today (Sunday, November 1) the law has changed. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says: From 1 November 2026, you must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with a banned dog in a private place (for example a home or garden), without adult supervision." A Defra statement said: "Children will be better protected from dangerous dogs in the home under a new government measure coming into force today (November 1) to strengthen safeguards around banned breeds, including XL Bully types. "From today, owners must not leave a child under the age of 12 in close proximity to a banned breed dog in a domestic setting or other private settings without adult supervision. "The new safeguard will reduce the risk of serious injury to children in domestic environments, while allowing exempted dogs to remain with families where appropriate supervision is in place. "Owners of banned breeds who do not comply with this new measure could have their dogs seized, face up to six months in prison, and an unlimited fine. This new condition will be applied to Certificates of Exemption, which allow owners to legally keep a banned breed such as XL Bullies. "Any attack on a child by any dog is unacceptable. Under existing legislation, owners can face enforcement action, including up to 14 years in prison." Legal consequences Dame Angela Eagle, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: "No child should ever have to suffer the trauma of a dog attack, and these tough new rules will help protect them from these horrific incidents. “While many owners are acting responsibly, those that don’t will face the legal consequences of leaving a child alone with a banned breed – including up to six months in prison and unlimited fines. “This measure will help protect children from serious harm while ensuring responsible owners can continue to keep their dogs, provided the necessary safety measures are in place.”