If you have an exemption

It is against the law to keep an XL Bully dog without a valid Certificate of Exemption.

XL Bully dogs are covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and owner-led applications for a Certificate of Exemption have closed.

If you have a Certificate of Exemption, you must follow these rules for the life of the dog:

• keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder – you can temporarily keep it at a different address in Scotland for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
• tell us if you permanently change address – you do not need to tell us if you temporarily keep the dog at another address in Scotland for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
• tell us if the dog dies or is exported
• have third party public liability insurance for your dog – you can change insurance, but there can be no gap in cover
• keep the dog muzzled in public places – it's best to use a muzzle that lets the dog pant, breathe and drink easily
• keep the dog on a lead in public places – someone over 16 years old must securely hold the lead
• keep the dog in secure conditions so it cannot escape

If the police or local council asks, you must also provide:

• access to the dog to read its microchip
• proof of suitable third party liability insurance within 5 days of their request
• the Certificate of Exemption within 5 days of their request

If you do not follow these rules, your Certificate of Exemption will not be valid, and the police could take your dog because you have broken the law.

If you break these rules, you may be fined up to £5,000, sent to prison for up to 6 months, or both.

Replacement certificates

We will only issue a new certificate if you:

• lose your existing certificate
• change your name or address

How to contact us

If you need to tell us about any changes or request a replacement certificate, you can do so by email or post.

Email

xlbullydogenquiries@gov.scot

Address 

XL Bully Dog Exemption Team

Room GW15

Scottish Government

St Andrew’s House

2 Regent Road

Edinburgh

EH1 3DG