Thousands of XL Bullies could be dumped next month as new rules come into force and rescue centres fear vets may not have the capacity to make sure all of them are chipped and neutered - or may refuse to put them down. New rules from the end of December mean all XL Bully owners must have an exemption to own the pets and must have them chipped and neutered. Owners not able or willing to comply with the new rules will have to have their dogs euthanised - but pet rescue experts have warned that many vets may refuse to do it. It will be illegal to sell, abandon or give away an XL Bully from December 31 - meaning many may be dumped next month. The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) has warned that people unable to make sure their dogs meet the new rules may be forced to dump them. The government banned the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 following a rise in fatal attacks, with rules coming into force from December 31. Owners will have one month to make sure their dogs are registered, chipped and neutered - or get rid of them. According to the
BBC , if the dog is less than a year old on 31 January, it must be neutered by the end of the year, but if it is older than a year, it must be neutered by 30 June. Owners who do not want to keep their dogs and comply with the rules have to have them put down by the end of January. They will get £200 compensation. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Code of Professional Conduct says "no veterinary surgeon is obliged to kill a healthy animal". Vet Rebecca Taylor told the BBC: "For me - my ethics and morals - I didn't become a vet to put down healthy animals… And for me I can't justify that." David Martin, an animal welfare advisor for veterinary group IVC Evidensia, told a government committee that 94% of vets would not euthanise a healthy bully XL with no behavioural problems. And he said vets won't have the capacity to neuter such large dogs en masse. It will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate by the end of January next year. Any XL Bullies in rescue centres will not be able to be rehomed after December 31. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "We have taken quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks, with the XL Bully type added to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act. "Up until 31 January 2024, owners of XL Bully type dogs have the options of applying for a Certificate of Exemption or taking their dog to be euthanised by a vet. We are working closely with the
police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups as we take forward these important measures."