Owners of XL Bully dogs across Bolton have been warned they have just two weeks to apply for exemptions before a ban comes into force.

Starting from next month it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless the owners have been given a Certificate of Exemption.

The ban is being brought in by the government after a string of high-profile attacks carried by XL Bullies in recent years.

Bolton Council cabinet member for regulatory services Cllr Sue Howarth said: “We wish to remind all XL Bully dog owners across the Bolton borough of these new legal requirements. 

“There are two weeks left to apply for a Certificate of Exemption if you haven’t already. 

The Bolton News: A protest against the ban was held at Bolton Town HallA protest against the ban was held at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

“If, on or after February 1 2024, you are found to be in possession of an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption, you are breaking the law and your dog can be seized.       

“The Dogs Trust has online advice on ‘How to train your dog to wear a muzzle’ along with some free webinars for dog owners to watch.”   

The government first announced that XL Bullies were banned in the UK under the terms of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 on October 31 last year.

This came after a spate of high profile attacks around the country, including a case in Trafford where a man allowed six XL Bully type dogs to attack a six year old girl.

In September last year a man was held in Lichfield, Staffordshire on suspicion of manslaughter after a man died following an attack believed to have been carried out by dogs like these.

But XL Bullies in Bolton have spoken out in recent months about how they believe a ban is the wrong approach.

A public demonstration against the ban held by owners from across the borough took place at Bolton Town Centre on Saturday September 23 last year.

Despite these protestations, from December 31 it became illegal to breed or breed from an XL Bully or to sell, exchange, or offer an XL Bully as a gift.

It also became illegal to allow one of these dogs to be in a public place without being muzzled and kept on a lead or to allow it to stray.   

Starting from February 1 this year it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption.

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An XL Bully must also be microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public and kept in secure place so it cannot escape.

They must also be neutered by June 30 for older dogs, and by the end of 2024 if the dog is under a year old.

The new rules also state that an owner must be older than 16 years old and must take out third party public liability insurance against their dog injuring other people.

They must also be able show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within five days.