From 1 August it will be illegal to own an XL bully type dog in Scotland without an exemption certificate or having applied for an exemption certificate to own that dog. You must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 July 2024 to keep an XL bully dog.
If you are not sure if a dog in your care is an XL bully type, use the guide to check if a dog is an XL Bully.
We understand the benefits of keeping a pet for many of our customers and that the announcement of a ban may have been distressing for responsible owners of XL bully type dogs. We also understand that some of our customers have safety concerns around XL bully type dogs.
Kingdom Group has separate Policies which provide guidance on pet ownership and key issues:
Following a review of these policies, and after careful consideration we have decided:
- We will NOT be withdrawing our consent to keep XL bully type dogs for existing owners. This is on the understanding that the dogs are registered and all legal guidance is followed. This includes having an exemption certificate, and making sure XL bully type dogs are muzzled and on a lead at all times when in public, including in a car. Failure to do so is a breach of your tenancy agreement.
- With immediate effect, we will ONLY consent to new pet requests to keep XL bully-type dogs, (included on the list of banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act from 31 December 2023, where an exemption certificate is not in place) if an exemption certificate has been applied for or is in place.
- Owners must agree to follow the full government guidance on responsible dog ownership. This includes making sure dogs are kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
- This applies to new and existing customers.
What you need to do to apply for permission to keep a pet
To apply for permission to keep a pet please click here.
If you have an XL bully type dog, you must also upload your exemption certificate to us by 31 August 2024.
What you need to do if you already have permission to keep a pet and that animal is an XL bully
For existing customers who have permission to keep an XL bully, please click here to upload your certificate to us by 31 August 2024.
The Companion Club from Dogs Trust UK provides third-party public liability insurance cover for Companions, and covers banned breeds that are registered on the Index of Exempted dogs (run by Defra). To become a companion, you must pay the fee of £25 per year. This may be more affordable than arranging your own third-party public liability insurance.
Customers must comply fully with the new legislation regarding their dogs. Information can be found here.
Staff Safety
When visiting a customer’s home, Kingdom Group staff are required to assess any risks present. In the case of an animal posing a potential risk to a member of staff, we will refuse to enter the home. In this event, our staff will rearrange a suitable appointment with you.
In the case of an animal becoming a risk to our staff during a visit, the visit will be aborted.
Our customers with XL bully type dogs in their homes will be asked to muzzle their dog and secure them whilst our staff are present.
