From today (November 1), owners of banned dog breeds, including XL Bullies, must not leave a child under the age of 12 in close contact with the animal in a private place without adult supervision. The Government has warned that those who do not comply will face legal consequences, including up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.
The change, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), affects thousands of dog owners across the UK. It applies to all banned breeds: the XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
What the new law requires
Defra's website states: "From 1 November 2026, you must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with a banned dog in a private place (for example a home or garden), without adult supervision."
The new condition is applied to Certificates of Exemption, which allow owners to legally keep a banned breed. Owners who fail to comply could have their dogs seized.
A Defra statement said: "Children will be better protected from dangerous dogs in the home under a new government measure coming into force today (November 1) to strengthen safeguards around banned breeds, including XL Bully types."
Existing rules for banned breeds
Ownership of a banned dog is only permitted if the owner holds a valid Certificate of Exemption and the animal is not behaving dangerously. In January 2024, it became illegal to sell, give away, or abandon an XL Bully, and owning one without a valid certificate was outlawed two months later. Approximately 61,000 certificates are believed to have been issued.
The Government website stipulates that the dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled in public, and housed in a secure environment from which it cannot escape. The owner must also be aged over 16, show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden (either at the time or within 5 days), and let the Index of Exempted Dogs know if they change address or the dog dies.
Penalties for non-compliance
Dame Angela Eagle, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, stated: "No child should ever have to suffer the trauma of a dog attack, and these tough new rules will help protect them from these horrific incidents."
She added: "While many owners are acting responsibly, those that don't will face the legal consequences of leaving a child alone with a banned breed – including up to six months in prison and unlimited fines."
Under existing legislation, owners can face enforcement action, including up to 14 years in prison for an attack on a child by any dog. The new measure will reduce the risk of serious injury to children in domestic environments while allowing exempted dogs to remain with families where appropriate supervision is in place.
