What happens if the XL thugs are not spayed by June 30th

Another deadline looms for owners of XL thugs, who have until the end of the month to neuter their pets – or face a £2,000 fine.

The government announced plans to ban XL thugs in November 2024 after a rise in reported attacks and deaths associated with the powerful breed. On December 31, 2023, it became illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL bully dog, or to have one in public without a lead and muzzle.

Owners of XL bullies were urged to apply for an exemption certificate by 31 January 2024 if they wanted to keep their dogs, which were officially banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 on 1 February.

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Another deadline is now looming for owners of XL bullies as new legislation means all XL bullies must be neutered by June 30 to reduce potential risks – as neutering is known to reduce aggression in many dog ​​breeds. The rule applies to all XL bullies, regardless of age, health or breeding status, and owners must also provide proof of neutering from a licensed veterinarian.

Failure to spay an XL bully by the June 30 deadline has several potential consequences. These include:

• Fines: Owners who do not comply with the neutering requirement can face significant fines. These fines can range from £500 to £2,000 depending on the circumstances and the owner’s history of compliance with pet regulations.
• Seizure of the dog: In extreme cases, if an owner persistently refuses to sterilize their dog, the authorities have the right to impound the animal.
• Legal action: Persistent non-compliance could also lead to legal action against the owner. This could include court appearances and additional penalties, depending on the severity of the case.
• Public record: Landlords who do not comply with the law may have their non-compliance noted in public records. This could affect their ability to own other pets in the future or affect their status within the community.

Owners of XL bullies should make an appointment with a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure their dog is spayed before the deadline. After the procedure, the veterinarian will provide documents certifying that the dog has been sterilized.

Financial help is available to owners who may not be able to pay the average cost of £110 to £300 to have a male dog neutered. The RSPCA, PDSA and Blue Cross are all charities that run discounted neutering schemes available to those on low incomes or benefits.

Ian Jones, financial adviser at the Federal Management Agency, said: “The fines associated with non-compliance with these new rules are significant but necessary to ensure compliance. Pet owners must understand that these measures are not only punitive, but also preventive, aimed at reducing the risk of aggressive incidents. Financial assistance programs in place should ease the burden on those who may find the cost of sterilization prohibitive.

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