Apply for a Certificate of Exemption by email or post to keep an XL Bully dog
This page has been withdrawn because it is out of date. Dog owners can no longer use the ACE01 form to apply for a Certificate of Exemption for up to 30 XL bully dogs by email or post.
Documents
Details
On 31 December 2023 it became an offence to:
- sell an XL Bully dog
- abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
- give away an XL Bully dog
- breed from an XL Bully dog
- have an XL Bully dog in public without a lead and muzzle
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless the dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption.
Find out more about how to prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs.
Before you apply
Before you apply for a Certificate of Exemption by email or post, you must:
- pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to apply for – you’ll need your 10 digit payment reference number
- have third party liability insurance for banned breeds of dogs – you’ll need to know the start date of your insurance
If your dog is microchipped, you’ll need to provide the microchip number. To find the microchip number, you should check the dog’s vaccination record or ask a vet. Microchip numbers usually have 15 digits.
Email your form to dogsindex@defra.gov.uk or post it to:
Dogs Index
PO Box 68250
London
SW1P 9XG
You must make sure Defra receives your application by 15 January 2024 when you apply by email or post.
Other ways to apply
Dog owners can also apply online for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog.
Get help
For help with this form, email: dogsindex@defra.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
Last updated 31 December 2023 + show all updates
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Added form ACER1 for rehoming organisations to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
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First published.