Tynwald backs XL Bully dog importation ban

Tue, 21 Nov 2023

The XL Bully has been added to a list of dogs that cannot be imported to the Isle of Man.

As of one minute past midnight (00:01) on Wednesday (November 22) the XL Bully importation ban will come into force.

Tynwald voted to amend the Wild Animals Act 1980, in response to the UK Government’s recent decision to make it illegal to own the XL Bully breed in England or Wales from February 1, unless the owner has successfully applied for it to be registered, and keeps their dog muzzled in public.

XL Bullies are said to have originated in the US in the late 1980s, when American pit bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers were crossed. There are four variations: standard, pocket, classic and XL.

The XL is regarded as a specific breed in the US, however it is not recognised as such by the main British dog associations, such as the Kennel Club.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “It has been important to move quickly, in order to close a potential loophole for additional XL Bullies to be introduced to the Isle of Man, and I’d like to thank officers and Tynwald members for their support on the matter.

“XL Bullies already on the Island are not affected by this change, although we would always impress upon owners the importance of behaviour training for dogs.”

 

 

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