XL bully neutering deadline extended
The Scottish government has also extended its deadline.
The UK government has extended the deadline for neutering XL bully dogs under seven months old, after concerns were raised by the veterinary sector.
Under the new deadline, which applies to England and Wales, XL bully dogs that were younger than seven months old on 31 January 2024 will have to be neutered by 30 June 2025. This has extended the previous deadline by six months.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) had been asking for an extension since the original neutering deadline was announced last year.
The organisation was concerned that neutering a dog from a large breed before they were 18 months old could lead to health and welfare problems. It was also worried about the strain that the early deadline would put on veterinary capacity.
Following discussions, the Scottish government extended its own neutering deadline earlier in March by six months.
As part of legislation brought in by the UK government under the Dangerous Dogs Act, an XL bully needs to be neutered to qualify for a certificate of exemption.
It has been illegal to own the breed without an exemption certificate in England and Wales since 1 February 2024. The Scottish government has brought in a similar ban, which will begin on 31 July 2024.
BVA president Anna Judson said: “We’re pleased that the government has listened to the veterinary profession’s concerns and has taken on board our calls to extend the neutering age for XL bullies in England and Wales to the recommended 18 months instead of one year.
“Given increasing evidence that neutering large breeds of dogs early can lead to developmental orthopaedic problems, alongside other medical conditions, this move strikes the right balance between ensuring the dogs’ health and preventing breeding. It will also help ease the likely pressure on already overstretched vet teams.”
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RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.
