The Government is expected to issue a written statement on XL Bully dogs after more than 12,500 people signed a petition urging a major change. The petition, launched on April 7, 2026, calls for a legal "de-exemption" pathway for XL Bully dogs. It has received 12,541 signatures at the time of writing.
Any petition surpassing 10,000 signatures requires the government to issue a written statement. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the topic will be considered for a debate in Parliament.
Petition calls for de-exemption process
XL Bully dogs were added to the list of banned breeds in 2023. Owners must hold an official Certification of Exemption and follow strict legal rules to keep one.
The petition states: "In October 2023, DEFRA and the Chief Veterinary Officer advised owners unsure of their dog’s breed type to 'take a precautionary approach' & obtain a certificate of exemption 'to be safe.' As ordinary owners are not trained breed assessors, thousands complied in good faith to avoid criminalisation."
It continues: "Many of these dogs may not meet the legal “type”, yet two years later there is still no pathway or reassessment to allow de-exemption. As a result, we believe dogs' welfare is unfairly compromised by lifelong restrictions imposed solely because their owners followed Government advice."
The petition summarises: "The Secretary of State and DEFRA must now prioritise establishing a clear and fair de-exemption process."
New law on banned breeds from November 1
A new law on keeping banned dog breeds comes into force on November 1. From that date, it will be a criminal offence to leave a child under 12 in close contact with a dangerous dog in a private place, including homes and gardens, without adult supervision.
The law applies to anyone with an XL Bully dog, including those holding a Certificate of Exemption. The rules were confirmed in June this year under Sir Keir Starmer's government. At the time, the government said the safeguard would "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".
Guidance published in September under Andy Burnham's premiership outlines how dog owners will be affected. The guidance states: "Young children, especially those under 12, are at higher risk of dog-related injuries in the home, where incidents often involve a dog they know." It notes children may behave in ways that make dogs uncomfortable, such as sudden movements, loud noises, or getting too close.
The guidance continues: "A child under the age of 12 must only be near a banned breed dog if an adult is there to watch them closely and step in if needed. Dog owners and carers of children should plan ahead for times when supervision may be difficult."
