New Rules for XL Bully Type Dogs

New rules will apply in Jersey from 31 December 2025 for dogs that meet the criteria of a ‘dangerous dog’ under the Dogs Law (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 2025.

Dogs which meet the criteria of a ‘dangerous dog’ are –
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro (also known as the Fila Braziliero or the Brazilian Mastiff)
• Japanese Tosa
• Pit Bull Terrier and
• XL Bully.

The States Veterinary Officer has published guidance (Applying the XL Bully breed type conformation standard) on dogs that may fit the characteristics and measurements of an XL Bully, such as:
• American XL Bully
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Bulldog
• Cane Corso and
• Presa Canario.

It is a criminal offence to keep a dog of this type after 31 December 2025, without the dog being registered with the States Veterinary Officer. Non-compliance may result in the seizure of the dog by a Police Officer and the dog may be destroyed following a court order.

Owners must contact the States Veterinary Officer at +44(0)1534 441600 or [email protected] to arrange an assessment and registration.

As the owner of a “dangerous dog” you must comply with all relevant legislation and an import or export licence will be required to move your dog from Jersey as per: Dogs not allowed into Jersey.

It is now illegal to do any of the following in relation to a “dangerous dog” in Jersey:
• Abandon, give away, sell or otherwise transfer ownership.
• Allow the dog to stray.
• Failure to keep the dog muzzled, with a muzzle suitable for the dog when in a public place.
• Failure to keep the dog under the control of a person over 18 years old when in a public place.
• Failure to keep the dog on a lead that adequately controls the dog when in a public place.
• Failure to keep the dog in secure conditions that prevent it from escaping.
• Failure to keep the dog at the registered address for more than 30 days per year without prior approval from the Animal Health and Welfare Team.
• Failure to notify the Animal Health and Welfare Team in advance of temporary change of address.
• Leave the dog unsupervised with anyone less than 18 years old.
• Failure to have valid third-party public liability insurance in respect of the dog.
• Failure to surgically neuter the dog before it reaches 18 months old.