Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as one of the pioneering owners to officially register his XL Bully dog under the government's contentious new legislation, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Footballer Complies With Controversial Legislation
The 23-year-old Premier League star has taken decisive action to ensure his pet meets the stringent requirements imposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). From December 31st, owning an unregistered XL Bully will become a criminal offence across England and Wales.
Gibbs-White's compliance comes as the nation grapples with implementing the controversial ban, which has sparked heated debate among dog lovers, breeders, and animal welfare organisations.
Strict Requirements for Legal Ownership
Under the new regulations, owners must adhere to rigorous conditions to keep their XL Bully dogs legally:
- Mandatory neutering by specific deadlines
- Microchipping for identification purposes
- Third-party public liability insurance coverage
- Secure muzzling and lead control in all public spaces
The footballer's decision to register his dog places him among the responsible owners navigating the complex new legal landscape surrounding the breed.
National Debate Intensifies
The government's crackdown follows a disturbing series of fatal attacks linked to XL Bully dogs, prompting urgent action from ministers. However, the legislation has faced significant criticism from various quarters.
Animal welfare charities have expressed concerns about potential mass euthanasia of healthy dogs, while breeders argue the measures unfairly target a specific breed rather than addressing irresponsible ownership practices.
Gibbs-White's public compliance brings celebrity attention to the ongoing national discussion about balancing public safety with animal welfare concerns.
What's Next for XL Bully Owners?
With the deadline fast approaching, thousands of XL Bully owners across the country face critical decisions about their pets' futures. The registration window remains open, but time is running out for those hoping to keep their dogs legally.
The Nottingham Forest player's actions demonstrate that compliance is possible, even for high-profile individuals, though the process requires significant commitment and financial investment.
