UK Enforces XL Bully Ban and Addresses Neighbor Dog Barking Nuisance

The XL Bully, the largest variety of the American bully dog, has been banned in the United Kingdom since February 2024 after a series of fatal attacks. Owners may keep an XL Bully only with a valid Certificate of Exemption, of which more than 50,000 have been issued. The certificate obliges owners to keep the dog at the same address, notify Defra of any permanent address change, ensure the dog is muzzled and on a lead in public, and allow police access to the microchip and exemption paperwork within five days of request. Breaches can lead to seizure of the dog and criminal prosecution.

Separate guidance from the UK government treats persistent neighbour dog barking as a potential statutory nuisance. Residents are advised first to speak with the neighbour, then, if needed, seek mediation or lodge a complaint with the local council’s environmental health team. Councils may require a diary of barking incidents and can issue an abatement notice if the noise is deemed excessive, with fines of up to £5,000 for non‑compliance.