Rishi Sunak announced that American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year but this has left owners fearing for their pets’ futures.

Restrictions will be placed on the breed to “safely manage” them once a ban comes into force but what does this mean for existing American XL Bullies?

Owners of this breed will not have their dogs taken away from them and they will be able to continue living however, some measures will be put in place, Downing Street has said.

What will happen to existing American XL Bully dogs as the ban comes into force?

The measures will be put in place to cover the “existing population” of the dogs in response to concerns that they will still be allowed on the streets once a ban on new owners comes in.

When will the American XL Bully ban begin? Key dates

The government announced that the breed will become one of those under the Dangerous Dog Act by the end of 2023 and specific dates have now been revealed.

Breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully to stray in England and Wales will be illegal from December 31, 2023, reports Sky News.

Additionally, from this date, XL Bullies must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead when out in public.

Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?

It will become illegal to own an XL Bully from February 1, 2024 unless it is included on a list of exempted dogs.

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Owners will need to register their American XL bully and the dog will be required to be neutered.

American XL Bullies will also need to be insured and anyone complying with the new restrictions will be able to keep their dog.