XL Bully INFORMATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
BANNED BREEDS/TYPES
As you may all be aware, on 31st December this year, XL Bully type dogs are subject to the Dangerous Dogs Act and must be licensed. It will be illegal to breed, sell dump, trade or even give XL Bullys away.
Firstly, we want to make it quite clear that Oak Paddock WILL NOT discriminate against any breed or type and we are here to offer our support to anyone who needs it.
However, we do have to follow any current and new legislation/law and ensure the policies that Oak Paddock are covered by under our own Insurance Company are being adhered too.
We have contacted our insurance company (Pet Business Insurance) for clarification and we now include their updated response below (7th December 2023):
FIELD HIRE
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The field is private property with no public access passing through
7. The field is securely fenced and locked so the dog cannot escape
8. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled until the gate is shut when entering the field
9. The dog is put back on a lead and muzzled before opening the gate to leave the field
10. You can remove the lead and muzzle once inside the secured field.
- If the household has more than 1 dog, (including banned breeds) they can come to the field together as long as they have a minimum of 1 handler. All dogs leads and muzzles can be removed once in the field including the XL Bully.
- If there are dogs from different households, the banned breed will need to remain muzzled and on a lead at all time with a 1:1 handler.
Therefore, if you own a dog currently on the banned breed list (including XL Bully “types” from 31.12.23) you must follow the requirements as set out below:
- Your dog must be registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate provided to us in the event of a claim.
- A copy of your public liability insurance certificate for the dog must be provided to us in the event of a claim.
- The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
- Your dog must be Neutered – in line with Government Rules
- Your dog must be Micro Chipped
- The field is locked so your dog cannot escape
- Your dog is kept on a lead and muzzled until the gate is shut when entering the field
- Your dog is put back on a lead and muzzled before opening the gate to leave the field
- You can remove the lead and muzzle from your dog once inside our secure field.
- If the household has more than 1 dog, (including banned breeds) they can come to the field together as long as they have a minimum of 1 handler. All dogs leads and muzzles can be removed once in the field including the XL Bully.
- If there are dogs from different households, the banned breed will need to remain muzzled and on a lead at all time with a 1:1 handler.
The new laws are described on the Government website below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
For information on muzzles, the following link offers some good advice on types and training:
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/muzzle-training-your-dog
There is a lot of hard work by different organisations/individuals going on behind the scenes to challenge the Government on this knee jerk decision and instead introduce fair and balanced regulations that work and offer the necessary protection. We will update you with any further news or developments.
We are extremely saddened and disappointed by the Governments decision. Oak Paddock is committed to EVERY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS IRRESPECTIVE OF YOUR DOGS BREED/TYPE and EVERYONE is WELCOME.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Loving life with your dog