American XL bully owners in England and Wales are being urged by a coalition of animal charities and veterinary organisations to send in proof that their pet has been neutered before the deadline this month.
American XL bullies who were 12 months or older on January 31, 2024, and have been successfully exempted by their owners in England and Wales, had to be neutered by June 30, 2024, and evidence of this must be sent over to government department Defra by July 26, 2024.
Evidence of neutering of dogs over the age of seven months but less than 12 months (on January 31, 2024) must be submitted by December 31 and for dogs less than seven months old it must be submitted by June 30, 2025.
If Defra does not receive the evidence by the deadline, the dog’s exemption certificate will be invalid, meaning the dog could be seized by police.
The Dog Control Coalition – made up of RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, British Veterinary Association, The Kennel Club, Scottish SPCA, USPCA, PDSA and Woodgreen Pets Charity – is urging XL bully owners to avoid the “heartbreak and distress of their dog being seized” by complying with the UK government rules.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, Dr Sam Gaines from the RSPCA said: “We all know how worrying the last few months have been for the owners of American XL bully types who have been trying to adhere to all of the rules around exempting their beloved dogs.
“We are urging owners of exempted dogs who were 12 months or over by 31 January and have had their dog neutered to ensure they submit proof of this neutering to Defra before the deadline of 26 July. Missing this date means the dog will no longer be exempt. We don’t want anyone to have to go through the heartbreak and distress of their dog being seized so if anyone is yet to sort out their paperwork then we’d urge them to speak to their vet quickly.”
The proof required is an official form (VCN01) which needs to be signed by a vet. The form can be accessed here.
