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Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

The thread tracks the modern UK dangerous-dogs regime: the framework Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the cascade of 2023–2024 statutory instruments under s.1 of the Act that designated the XL Bully breed type, prohibited its possession from 1 February 2024, and operationalised compensation and exemption schemes in England and Wales (with parallel orders in Scotland and Northern Ireland).

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2026

11 events
23 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to prevent the illegal sale of XL Bully dogs on online marketplaces.

Why linked: Commons PQ to Defra on steps to prevent illegal sale of XL Bullies — direct enforcement-pathway PQ within scope.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to prevent the illegal sale of XL Bully dogs on online marketplaces.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
20 Apr 2026 | Written question Home Office linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the powers available to Staffordshire Police to seize dangerous dogs.

Why linked: Written question on police powers to seize dangerous dogs (20 April 2026) — parliamentary scrutiny of enforcement powers under the regime

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the powers available to Staffordshire Police to seize dangerous dogs.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Mar 2026 | Written question Home Office linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much it is costing the police to house dogs that have been confiscated under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Why linked: Commons PQ on the cost to police of housing dogs seized under the regime — direct enforcement-finance PQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much it is costing the police to house dogs that have been confiscated under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Mar 2026 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Government response to the Animal Sentience Committee report on XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act

Why linked: Companion gov.uk policy paper version of the Government response to the Animal Sentience Committee report — same substantive document as event 62343.

Response to the Animal Sentience Committee report on XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Government response to the Animal Sentience Com…
+1 more
↓ Government response to the Animal Sentience Committee repor… (12pp)
24 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to implement a standardised, comprehensive system for dog control incidents, including details on breed, context and severity.

Why linked: Written question on standardised dog control incident system (24 March 2026) — parliamentary scrutiny of broader dangerous dog data and enforcement coordination

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to implement a standardised, comprehensive system for dog control incidents, including details on breed, context and severity.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the written answer of 19 September 25 to question 75415 on XL Bully dogs, what progress has been made on developing a withdrawal scheme for dogs previously exempted as XL B

Why linked: Commons PQ pursuant to an earlier answer on the XL Bully regime — directly on-topic follow-up.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the written answer of 19 September 25 to question 75415 on XL Bully dogs, what progress has been made on developing a withdrawal scheme for dogs …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
12 Mar 2026 | Guidance Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Ban on XL Bully dogs

Why linked: Defra guidance 'Ban on XL Bully dogs' — the standing implementation guidance for owners in England and Wales, updated to reflect the operational regime.

The rules you must follow if you own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Feb 2026 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration has she given to introducing powers for local authorities in England and Wales to rehome dogs seized under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after 21 days without a court

Why linked: Written question on local authority rehoming powers for dangerous dogs (26 February 2026) — parliamentary scrutiny of enforcement powers

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration has she given to introducing powers for local authorities in England and Wales to rehome dogs seized under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after 21 days …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

9 events
27 Nov 2025 | Research Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Animal Sentience Committee: XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act report

Why linked: Animal Sentience Committee: XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act report — the substantive November 2025 report on the regime's welfare implications under the 2022 Act.

The Animal Sentience Committee’s views on animals as sentient beings in relation to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Animal Sentience Committee report: XL Bullies a…
7 Apr 2025 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will undertake an impact assessment on the XL Bully ban.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on impact assessment of XL Bully ban (2025) - scrutiny of dangerous dogs policy effectiveness

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will undertake an impact assessment on the XL Bully ban.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Mar 2025 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the ban on XL Bully dogs.

Why linked: Commons PQ to Defra Secretary on effectiveness of the XL Bully ban — directly on-topic scrutiny.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the ban on XL Bully dogs.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Mar 2025 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2024 to Question 19399 on Dangerous Dogs, what the outcomes were from his discussions on improving data (a) collection and (b) recording on dog at

Why linked: Written question on outcomes from dangerous dogs discussions (25 March 2025) — parliamentary scrutiny of implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2024 to Question 19399 on Dangerous Dogs, what the outcomes were from his discussions on improving data (a) collection and (b) …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Mar 2025 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government how many XL Bully dogs without an exemption certificate have been seized since September 2024.

Why linked: House of Lords written question (March 2025) on XL Bullies without exemption certificates seized since September 2024 — directly within scope.

To ask His Majesty's Government how many XL Bully dogs without an exemption certificate have been seized since September 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2024

65 events
13 Nov 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2024

Why linked: Statutory instrument amending the dangerous dogs exemption schemes (2024) - core regulatory instrument directly governing dangerous dogs control

This Order amends the Dangerous Dogs Exemption Schemes (England and Wales) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/138) (“the 2015 Order”), the Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1204) and the Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 Jul 2024 | Statutory Instrument Northern Ireland Executive linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024

Why linked: Statutory instrument for Northern Ireland on dangerous dogs compensation and exemption schemes (2024) - devolved jurisdiction dangerous dogs regulation

This Order makes provision in respect of dogs of the type known as the XL Bully. The type of dog known as the XL Bully is designated for the purposes of Article 25A of The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
18 Jun 2024 | Statutory Instrument Northern Ireland Executive linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024

Why linked: The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 — companion designation order to SR 2024/155 already on the thread, directly foundational to the NI track.

Article 2 of this Order designates the type of dog known as the XL Bully for the purposes of Article 25A of The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (“the 1983 Order”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
30 May 2024 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Upcoming XL Bully neutering deadline

Why linked: Defra news announcement on the upcoming XL Bully neutering deadline — the operational communication accompanying SI 2024/721.

Owners of registered XL Bully dogs that were aged 12 months or older on 31 January 2024 must have their dogs neutered by 30 June 2024

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 May 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Order 2024

Why linked: Statutory instrument amending dangerous dogs exemption schemes (2024) - direct amendment to exemption framework

This Order amends article 9 of the Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1204) (“the first Order”) and article 7 of the Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2023 …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
17 May 2024 | Debate linked direct

Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog Attacks) Bill

Why linked: Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog Attacks) Bill parliamentary debate (2024) - related legislative scrutiny on dog attack liability, adjacent to dangerous dogs control

Second Reading 14:12:00 Anna Firth (Southend West) (Con): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. It is a huge privilege, having already had the pleasure of guiding my Pet Abduction Bill through the Commons …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Download transcript (text)
9 May 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to make an assessment of the potential merits of measures to reduce the need to seize dogs which are likely to be exempted from Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 199

Why linked: Commons PQ on potential merits of further measures under the XL Bully regime — direct scrutiny PQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to make an assessment of the potential merits of measures to reduce the need to seize dogs which are likely to be exempted from Section …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
7 May 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many XL Bullies registered with the exemption scheme have not been neutered.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on XL Bully exemption scheme neutering requirements (2024) - scrutiny of exemption scheme conditions

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many XL Bullies registered with the exemption scheme have not been neutered.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 May 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the exemption certification process for XL Bully-type dogs on costs for (a) the police, (b) other enforcement bodies, (c) dog o

Why linked: Commons PQ on the impact of the exemption scheme — direct effectiveness PQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the exemption certification process for XL Bully-type dogs on costs for (a) the police, (b) other enforcement …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how his Department calculated its estimate of the number of dogs which would be affected by a ban on XL Bully dogs.

Why linked: Commons PQ on Defra's estimate of the number of XL Bullies in scope — direct evidence-base scrutiny.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how his Department calculated its estimate of the number of dogs which would be affected by a ban on XL Bully dogs.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support is available to (a) animal rescue organisations and (b) local authorities to care for XL Bully puppies that do not meet the legal breed standard for a banned type of dog,

Why linked: Commons PQ on support to animal rescue organisations under the XL Bully regime — direct rehoming-organisation pathway question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support is available to (a) animal rescue organisations and (b) local authorities to care for XL Bully puppies that do not meet the legal breed standard for …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has taken steps to increase the number of dog legislation officers following the introduction of the XL Bully dog ban.

Why linked: Commons PQ on increasing the number of dog legislation officers — direct enforcement-capacity question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has taken steps to increase the number of dog legislation officers following the introduction of the XL Bully dog ban.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what extra resource is being provided for police forces to support their increased caseloads in enforcing the ban on XL Bully dogs.

Why linked: Commons PQ on extra police resource for XL Bully enforcement — within enforcement scope.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what extra resource is being provided for police forces to support their increased caseloads in enforcing the ban on XL Bully dogs.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Why linked: Commons PQ specifically on the effectiveness of s.1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 — directly on the framework section.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to measure the effectiveness of the XL Bully ban over the next five years.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on effectiveness measurement of XL Bully ban (2024) - scrutiny of dangerous dogs policy implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to measure the effectiveness of the XL Bully ban over the next five years.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
15 Apr 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential impact of the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and Wales) Order 2023 on

Why linked: Written question on discussions with Scottish Government on XL Bully impact (15 April 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of devolved implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential impact of the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and Wales) …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Mar 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many XL Bully dogs have been seized by the police since 1 January 2024; and how many and what proportion of those seized have been euthanised.

Why linked: Commons PQ on the number of XL Bullies seized by police since January 2024 — direct operational data PQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many XL Bully dogs have been seized by the police since 1 January 2024; and how many and what proportion of those seized have been euthanised.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
18 Mar 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the income raised from charges for certificates of exemption to keep an XL Bully dog have been ringfenced to (a) cover the administrative costs of the exemption scheme and (b)

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on exemption certificate revenue (2024) - scrutiny of exemption scheme administration

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the income raised from charges for certificates of exemption to keep an XL Bully dog have been ringfenced to (a) cover the administrative costs of the exemption …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Mar 2024 | Other Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

XL Bully dogs

Why linked: Defra guidance hub 'XL Bully dogs' — operational guidance for owners, enforcement authorities, rescue centres and rehoming organisations.

Information about the ban on XL Bully dogs for owners, enforcement authorities, rescue centres and rehoming organisations, and vets.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Mar 2024 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Neutering deadlines – XL Bully dogs

Why linked: Defra news announcement on the neutering-deadline extension for under-7-month-old XL Bullies — directly underpins the amendment in SI 2024/721.

Extension to the neutering deadline for XL Bully dogs that were less than 7 months old on the 31 January 2024

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Mar 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2024 to Question 14673 on Dangerous Dogs: Registration and with reference to his oral contribution on 1 February 2024, Official Report, column 970

Why linked: Written question on dangerous dogs registration (11 March 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of ongoing registration scheme operation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2024 to Question 14673 on Dangerous Dogs: Registration and with reference to his oral contribution on 1 February 2024, Official Report, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Mar 2024 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

The ban on XL Bully dogs

Why linked: Commons Library Briefing CBP-9897 'The ban on XL Bully dogs' (March 2024) — principal Commons Library scrutiny baseline on the regime.

Type: Commons Briefing Paper (CBP-9897) A government ban on American XL Bully dogs in England and Wales came into force on 31 December 2023.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ CBP-9897.pdf
1 Mar 2024 | Statutory Instrument Scottish Government linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (Scotland) Order 2024

Why linked: Statutory instrument for Scotland designating XL Bully under dangerous dogs framework (2024) - devolved jurisdiction application of dangerous dogs control

This Order makes provision in respect of dogs of the type known as the XL Bully. The type of dog known as the XL Bully (“the XL Bully Breed type”) is designated for the purposes of section 1 of the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the National Police Chiefs Council on the (a) enforcement and (b) prioritisation of the addition of XL Bully type dogs to Section 1 of the

Why linked: Commons PQ on Defra discussions with the National Police Chiefs' Council on the regime — direct enforcement-coordination PQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the National Police Chiefs Council on the (a) enforcement and (b) prioritisation of the addition of XL Bully type dogs to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to reopen registrations for XL bully dogs for owners who missed the deadline.

Why linked: Commons PQ on plans to reopen XL Bully registrations — direct scheme-design PQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to reopen registrations for XL bully dogs for owners who missed the deadline.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the cost to the public purse is of training dog legislation officers to enforce the addition of XL Bully type dogs to Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Why linked: Commons PQ on the cost of training dog legislation officers — directly within enforcement scope of the regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the cost to the public purse is of training dog legislation officers to enforce the addition of XL Bully type dogs to Section 1 of the Dangerous …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of exemption applications to keep an XL Bully dog his Department has (a) received and (b) processed since the XL Bully ban was announced.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on XL Bully exemption applications (2024) - scrutiny of exemption scheme administration

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of exemption applications to keep an XL Bully dog his Department has (a) received and (b) processed since the XL …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Feb 2024 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Ban on unregistered XL Bully dogs now in force

Why linked: Gov.uk announcement of ban on unregistered XL Bully dogs now in force (26 February 2024) — core implementation phase with exemption/registration scheme details

It is now illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is registered and complies with strict rules including being neutered and muzzled in public

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much revenue was raised from charging for an exemption certificate as part of the American XL Bully ban; and whether this money has been ring-fenced for dog control initiatives.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on exemption certificate revenue (2024) - scrutiny of dangerous dogs exemption scheme finances

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much revenue was raised from charging for an exemption certificate as part of the American XL Bully ban; and whether this money has been ring-fenced for dog …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish guidance for owners of XL Bully dogs who were unable to register their dogs by the deadline.

Why linked: Written question on guidance for owners unable to register by deadline (16 February 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of implementation guidance

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish guidance for owners of XL Bully dogs who were unable to register their dogs by the deadline.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
12 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department is providing to people who were unable to register their XL Bully dogs before the deadline on how to (a) remain compliant with the law and (b) ensure that

Why linked: Written question on guidance for owners unable to register before deadline (12 February 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of implementation support

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department is providing to people who were unable to register their XL Bully dogs before the deadline on how to (a) remain compliant with the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
12 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department is providing to XL bully dog owners who were unable to neuter their dog before the deadline.

Why linked: Written question on guidance for owners unable to neuter before deadline (12 February 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of neutering requirement operation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department is providing to XL bully dog owners who were unable to neuter their dog before the deadline.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
9 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the neutering deadline for XL bully dogs which are not currently medically fit to undergo a neutering procedure.

Why linked: Written question on assessment of extending neutering deadline (9 February 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of exemption scheme deadlines

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the neutering deadline for XL bully dogs which are not currently medically fit to undergo a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help the veterinary sector process confirmation of neutering forms for XL bully breed owners before 1 February.

Why linked: Written question on support for veterinary sector processing neutering confirmations (8 February 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of operational implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help the veterinary sector process confirmation of neutering forms for XL bully breed owners before 1 February.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Feb 2024 | Other Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Animal Sentience Committee letter on XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act

Why linked: Animal Sentience Committee letter on XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act — duplicate/companion artefact of event 62368.

Animal Sentience Committee letter on XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act — duplicate/companion artefact of event 62368.

In response to: Animal Sentience Committee letter on XL Bully dogs and the Dangerous Dogs Act

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Feb 2024 | Other Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Animal Sentience Committee letter on XL Bully dogs and the Dangerous Dogs Act

Why linked: Animal Sentience Committee letter directly addressing welfare implications of XL Bully designation under the Dangerous Dogs Act — substantive scrutiny material within thread scope

Letter from the Animal Sentience Committee to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee on the welfare implications of adding XL Bully dogs to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Animal Sentience Committee letter on XL Bullies…
1 Feb 2024 | Other Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

XL Bully conformation standard

Why linked: Companion gov.uk publication of the XL Bully conformation standard — substantive identification-standard guidance.

Companion gov.uk publication of the XL Bully conformation standard — substantive identification-standard guidance.

In response to: XL Bully conformation standard

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
1 Feb 2024 | Guidance Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

XL Bully conformation standard

Why linked: Gov.uk XL Bully conformation standard guidance for enforcement officers (1 February 2024) — operational implementation guidance for breed designation

How enforcement officers can apply the conformation standard to check if a dog is an XL Bully.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Guidance for enforcers: applying the XL Bully c… (7pp)
+1 more
↓ XL Bully conformation standard
31 Jan 2024 | Statutory Instrument Scottish Government linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (Scotland) Order 2024

Why linked: Statutory instrument designating XL Bully in Scotland (2024) - Scottish dangerous dogs regulation under 1991 Act framework

Article 2 of this Order designates the type of dog known as the XL Bully for the purposes of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Jan 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether owners who register their dogs as an XL Bully type dog will be able to remove them from the register if they are later identified as a different breed.

Why linked: Written question on deregistration options for XL Bully owners (29 January 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of exemption scheme operation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether owners who register their dogs as an XL Bully type dog will be able to remove them from the register if they are later identified as a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
18 Jan 2024 | Written question Home Office linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Answer of 5 December 2023 to Question 3839 on Dangerous Dogs, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on resour

Why linked: Written question on Home Department discussions regarding dangerous dogs (18 January 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of enforcement coordination

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Answer of 5 December 2023 to Question 3839 on Dangerous Dogs, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Jan 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the licensing fees paid by XL Bully dog owners will cover the cost of preparing the certificate of exemption.

Why linked: Written question on licensing fees and exemption certificate costs (16 January 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of scheme financing

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the licensing fees paid by XL Bully dog owners will cover the cost of preparing the certificate of exemption.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Jan 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many applications his Department has received for certificates of exemption to keep an XL Bully dog in (a) Solihull constituency and (b) England.

Why linked: Written question on exemption certificate applications for XL Bully (16 January 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of exemption scheme operation

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many applications his Department has received for certificates of exemption to keep an XL Bully dog in (a) Solihull constituency and (b) England.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Jan 2024 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much his Department has issued in compensation to people who have given up their XL Bully dog to be euthanised in (a) Solihull constituency and (b) England.

Why linked: Written question on compensation issued to owners of surrendered XL Bully dogs (16 January 2024) — parliamentary scrutiny of compensation scheme

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much his Department has issued in compensation to people who have given up their XL Bully dog to be euthanised in (a) Solihull constituency and (b) England.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Jan 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Order 2024

Why linked: Statutory instrument amending dangerous dogs exemption schemes (2024) - regulatory amendment to exemption provisions

This Order amends the Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2023 (>S.I 2023/1407). It amends Part 2 of that Order to make provision for a rehoming organisation that was established and operating as a rehoming …

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2023

16 events
31 Dec 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

New legal restrictions on XL Bully dog now in force

Why linked: Gov.uk announcement of legal restrictions on XL Bully now in force (31 December 2023) — statutory implementation milestone

It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, and abandon these dogs or let them stray.

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19 Dec 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2023

Why linked: Statutory instrument designating XL Bully and establishing exemption/compensation schemes (2023) - foundational instrument for current dangerous dogs regime

This Order makes provision in respect of dogs of the type known as the XL Bully. The type of dog known as the XL Bully (“the XL Bully breed type”) is designated for the purposes of section 1 of the …

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1 Dec 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked implements

The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2023 — legislation.gov.uk

Why linked: This is the statutory instrument that enacted the XL Bully ban and exemption scheme under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 — the key legislative instrument for the most recent major policy change.

This Order makes provision in respect of dogs of the type known as the XL Bully. The XL Bully breed type is designated for the purposes of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

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27 Nov 2023 | Debate linked scrutiny

Legislation on Dangerous Dogs — Hansard Commons Debate (27 Nov 2023)

Why linked: This Hansard record captures the Petitions Committee debate on two competing petitions — one to repeal the DDA 1991 and one opposing the XL Bully ban — providing the parliamentary scrutiny record at the moment of the ban.

Following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL bully dogs, the Government have added the breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

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15 Nov 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) Order 2023

Why linked: Statutory instrument establishing compensation and exemption schemes for XL Bully (2023) - core implementation instrument for breed designation

This Order makes provision in respect of dogs of the type known as the XL Bully. The type of dog known as the XL Bully (“the XL Bully breed type”) is designated for the purposes of section 1 of the …

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14 Nov 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Transition period for XL Bully owners begins

Why linked: Government announcement on XL Bully exemption and compensation schemes (2023) - policy announcement on dangerous dogs exemption framework

Owners who wish to keep their dogs must apply to an exemption scheme or instead can apply for compensation related to euthanasia costs.

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31 Oct 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

XL Bully type dogs to be banned

Why linked: Defra news 'XL Bully type dogs to be banned' (October 2023) — first formal announcement of the breed-restriction roll-out.

From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.

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18 Sep 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Dangerous Dogs

Why linked: Parliamentary statement by DEFRA Secretary of State on Dangerous Dogs and XL Bully designation (18 September 2023) — formal ministerial statement announcing policy direction

UIN: HLWS1022 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Thérèse Coffey) has made the following Statement. The Government is taking urgent action to bring forward a ban on XL Bully dog types following …

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18 Sep 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Dangerous Dogs

Why linked: Ministerial statement on XL Bully ban (2023) - official government announcement initiating dangerous dogs policy change

UIN: HCWS1040 The Government is taking urgent action to bring forward a ban on XL Bully dog types following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities, which appear to be driven by this type of dog. Under the Dangerous Dogs …

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18 Sep 2023 | Announcement linked commitment

Written Ministerial Statement: XL Bully Dog Ban Announcement — Parliament (18 Sep 2023)

Why linked: This is the ministerial statement that formally announced the Government's intention to add XL Bully to the banned list under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 — the pivotal political commitment triggering the 2023–24 legislative changes.

The Government is taking urgent action to bring forward a ban on XL Bully dog types following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities, which appear to be driven by this type of dog.

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15 Sep 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

Government to ban ‘American XL Bully’

Why linked: Gov.uk announcement of American XL Bully ban decision (15 September 2023) — foundational policy announcement for the 2023–2024 implementation thread

The Government has announced today that ‘American XL Bully’ dogs will be banned.

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1 Sep 2023 | Other linked actor

Petition: Bad Owners Are to Blame Not the Breed — Don't Ban the XL Bully (Parliament.uk)

Why linked: This petition and its government response record the public and political opposition to the XL Bully ban and the Government's formal justification for proceeding under the 1991 Act.

The Government stated that it intends to have the legislation in place to deliver the ban of XL Bully dogs by the end of the year and that it will convene experts to define the 'American XL bully' breed type.

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2022

7 events
7 Dec 2022 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, How much her Department has spent on the enforcement of the [Dangerous Dogs Act 1991] in the last year.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on enforcement spending for Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (2022) - scrutiny of regulatory enforcement resources

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, How much her Department has spent on the enforcement of the [Dangerous Dogs Act 1991] in the last year.

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11 Oct 2022 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on the consultation of Breed Specific Legislation (Dangerous Dogs) Act 1991 to exempt dogs that are adaptable to family and pet life.

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on breed-specific legislation consultation progress (2022) - scrutiny of dangerous dogs policy development

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on the consultation of Breed Specific Legislation (Dangerous Dogs) Act 1991 to exempt dogs that are adaptable to family and pet life.

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1 Jun 2022 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

e-petition debate on breed-specific legislation

Why linked: Commons Debate Pack on breed-specific legislation (2022) - parliamentary scrutiny of dangerous dogs regulation

Type: Commons Debate Pack (CDP-2022-0100) A debate has been scheduled in Westminster Hall at 4.30pm on Monday 6 June 2022 on breed-specific legislation. The subject for the debate has been nominated by the Petitions Committee, and the debate will be …

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2021

5 events
2 Jul 2021 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

E-petition debate: breed specific legislation

Why linked: Westminster Hall debate on breed-specific legislation (2021) - parliamentary scrutiny directly on dangerous dogs Act 1991

Type: Commons Debate Pack (CDP-2021-0111) A Westminster Hall debate on e-petition 300561, relating to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, has been scheduled for Monday 5 July 2021 at 6:15 pm. The petition calls for Government to replace breed specific legislation …

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22 Apr 2021 | Written question Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2020 to Question 64852 on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, on what date the Government commissioned research by Middlesex University into dog attacks is p

Why linked: Parliamentary written question on Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 implementation date (2021) - scrutiny of dangerous dogs regime

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2020 to Question 64852 on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, on what date the Government commissioned research by Middlesex University into …

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5 Feb 2021 | Consultation (closed) Scottish Government linked direct

Criminal law - dealing with dangerous dogs: consultation

Why linked: Criminal law consultation on dealing with dangerous dogs (5 February 2021) — policy development on dangerous dog control mechanisms, relevant to regime operation

This discussion paper seeks views on steps that might be taken to improve the way in which the criminal law may deal with dog owners where their dogs act in a dangerous way.

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2019

3 events
28 Jan 2019 | Government response linked scrutiny

Controlling Dangerous Dogs: Government Response to EFRA Committee Ninth Report — House of Commons (Jan 2019)

Why linked: This is the Government's formal response to the EFRA Committee's 2018 inquiry into breed-specific legislation, setting out the Government's position on retaining the breed ban.

In 2014 the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was amended. This resulted in several changes, such as extending the main offence to all places including in the dog owner's home; increasing the maximum penalties for dog attacks; and providing protection for …

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2018

4 events
1 Jan 2018 | Written evidence linked evidence

DDL0389 — Written Evidence to EFRA Inquiry on Dangerous Dogs: Breed Specific Legislation (PDSA)

Why linked: PDSA's written evidence to the EFRA inquiry provides veterinary and welfare-sector evidence that hospital admissions for dog bites increased after the 1991 Act, directly challenging the Act's effectiveness.

The current Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) is not effective and may be doing more harm than good to dog welfare and the safety of the general public.

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1 Jan 2018 | Written evidence linked evidence

DDL0056 — Written Evidence to EFRA Inquiry on Dangerous Dogs: Breed Specific Legislation (Scottish SPCA)

Why linked: Stakeholder written evidence to the EFRA inquiry comparing the 1991 Act with Scotland's alternative approach and recommending abolition of breed-specific legislation.

In Scotland, there is The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010. This is a preventative piece of legislation that in theory should be the answer to the problem that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 has failed to resolve.

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1 Jan 2018 | Written evidence linked evidence

DDL0043 — Defra Written Evidence to EFRA Inquiry on Dangerous Dogs: Breed Specific Legislation

Why linked: This is Defra's official written evidence to the 2018 EFRA inquiry, setting out the Government's policy position on breed-specific legislation and the history of the 1991 Act.

Defra welcomes the opportunity to provide evidence to the EFRA Select Committee's Inquiry into Dangerous Dogs: Breed Specific Legislation.

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2016

2 events
11 Aug 2016 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

Dangerous Dogs

Why linked: House of Commons Library research briefing on Dangerous Dogs legislation — foundational overview of the 1991 Act and regime

Type: Standard Note (SN04348) An overview of dangerous dogs legislation.

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1 Aug 2016 | Research linked evidence

Dangerous Dogs — Commons Library Research Briefing SN04348 (PDF, Aug 2016)

Why linked: The PDF version of the Commons Library briefing contains the full detailed policy history including prosecution statistics, legislative timeline, and Scotland/Wales comparisons not always visible in the HTML version.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was introduced following press reports of dog attacks, focusing mainly on American pit bull terriers. The part of the Act banning specific breeds has been criticised by some for failing to tackle dangerous dogs while …

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2013

1 event
6 Feb 2013 | Consultation outcome evidence

Promoting more responsible dog ownership: consultation summary of responses and way forward

Why linked: Filled the "Government consultations on dangerous dog control and breed restrictions" gap via web research

The formal Defra consultation outcome document (April 2012, responses published February 2013) covering proposals to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, including breed-specific legislation, compulsory microchipping, and extension of dangerous dog laws to private property.

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2012

1 event
23 Apr 2012 | Other evidence

Tackling irresponsible dog ownership – Defra consultation

Why linked: Filled the "Government consultations on dangerous dog control and breed-specific legislation" gap via web research

A Defra consultation running from 23 April to 15 June 2012 seeking views on a proposed package of measures to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, including extending the criminal offence of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control to …

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2011

1 event
15 Apr 2011 | Guidance linked implements

Dangerous Dogs Law: Guidance for Enforcers — GOV.UK (Defra)

Why linked: This is the primary Defra operational guidance document for enforcers under the 1991 Act, covering both the Dogs Act 1871 civil route and the 1991 criminal offences.

The purpose of this guidance is to assist police forces and local authorities in dealing with incidents brought to their attention involving dangerous dogs and allegations of people owning or breeding dogs prohibited under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs …

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2010

2 events
25 Nov 2010 | Consultation outcome evidence

Dangerous dogs consultation responses published (November 2010)

Why linked: Filled the "Government consultations on dangerous dog control and breed restrictions" gap via web research

Gov.uk news announcement by Animal Welfare Minister Lord Henley publishing the summary of 4,250 responses to the March 2010 Defra public consultation on whether dangerous dogs legislation adequately protects the public, covering breed-specific bans, microchipping, and attacks on private property.

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9 Jul 2010 | Debate linked direct

Dog Control Bill [HL]

Why linked: Dog Control Bill [HL] Second Reading (2010) - historical parliamentary debate on dog control legislation, related to dangerous dogs regime context

Second Reading 14:26:00 Moved By Lord Redesdale: That the Bill be read a second time. Lord Redesdale: My Lords, it is quite useful to carry on from the previous Bill in this Second Reading debate because we are also considering …

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1991

1 event
12 Aug 1991 | Act linked direct

legislation.gov.uk

Why linked: This is the primary statute the thread covers — the canonical legislative text of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

An Act to prohibit persons from having in their possession or custody dogs belonging to types bred for fighting; to impose restrictions in respect of such dogs pending the coming into force of the prohibition.

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