We urgently need your help please

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This is not normally something we do and it has been a long time since we did any fundraising but in the coming months it would be nice if we could help people who will be struggling with costs, especially those who have lost their jobs after Christmas; we need to be able to help those who have genuinely fallen foul of the legislation, not those who simply didn’t want to exempt their dog.  Sadly, we believe this will have far reaching consequences for many more innocent owners and we would like to be in a position to help them

We know this is just after Christmas and everyone is recovering from the expense but if anyone could spare a couple of ££ we would be very grateful.

If you can help, our PayPal address is treasurer@deednotbreed.org.uk or you can scan the QR code.

Our bank details are:
Deed Not Breed
Sort code: 60-83-71
Account number:44598201

Thank you in advance

Extension to neutering date for XL bully puppies

Extension to the neutering deadline for XL Bully dogs that were under seven months on the 31st January 2024.

The deadline for neutering the youngest XL Bully dogs is to be extended following engagement with the veterinary industry.

The new deadline to neuter XL Bully dogs that were under seven months on the 31st January 2024 will be 30th June 2025. We will make this change through legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

This is to make sure we safely manage the existing XL Bully dog population, balancing the welfare of these animals with keeping people safe.

Neutering for older dogs remains the same. For dogs that were over 1 year on the 31st January 2024, this has to be done by the 30th June 2024, while dogs aged 7 – 12 months on the 31st January 2024 must be neutered by the end of 2024.

With just over three months before the first deadline of 30th June 2024, owners of older dogs are reminded to book an appointment with the vet in good time.

If evidence is not provided that the dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to keep an XL Bully dog and it may be seized by the police.

It remains an offence to breed or rehome an XL Bully dog regardless of its age.

Source:Government website

 

Owners who missed the deadline due to technical issues

XL BULLY OWNERS WHO FAILED TO SECURE EXEMPTION IN TIME:
We have had numerous enquiries in the last 48 hours from utterly distraught people who suffered technical failures one way or another and have had their applications rejected or returned. Some dogs have been seized and some owners have signed their dogs over to be destroyed, believing that there is now no other option for them – this is not true! There is still an exemption process in place but it must take place via the Court system rather than the online portal.
We do not have any answers right now for owners in this situation as to how it may be rectified BUT PLEASE REST ASSURED WE ARE MAKING THE RELEVANT ENQUIRIES AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
If this is you DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE. Do not panic. DO NOT GIVE UP! DO NOT SIGN YOUR DOG OVER TO BE DESTROYED! Contact us and tell us what went wrong with your application, and if we can possibly help you and your dog then we will. THIS POST IS FOR GENUINE CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY AND WE WILL NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID AND WHY IT DID NOT WORK!
The time for voluntary exemption has passed but you must still stand by your dog. You do not need to make any hasty decisions now or feel as if there is no way forward. If you are a responsible owner who has tried to do the right thing then we beg you, do not give up on them now!
Get in touch if this applies to you. We will try to help but we need to know about your situation NOW!
Please remember that none of this is the fault of the police and if you should happen to receive a visit you should always be polite and cooperative. Police officers did not make this law, they simply have a job to do to enforce it. Please do not be rude or unreasonable – remember that your conduct reflects very seriously on your suitability as a dog owner, and your dog’s behaviour is equally important.

Source: Carla Lane Animals in Need

HEALTH COVER ANNOUNCED FOR XL BULLIES INCLUDING NEW CLIENTS

Agria Pet Insurance has announced that it will support American XL Bully owners by providing lifetime veterinary fee cover for both existing and new policy holders.
The company says that although some UK insurers are continuing to offer protection to existing policy holders, Agria is one of the few insurers to offer lifetime veterinary fee cover to new customers.

Insurance will be available to owners who have an exemption certificate.

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “We know that the last few months have been particularly difficult for owners of American XLBully dogs, and we are pleased to be able to reassure them that we can provide lifetime veterinary fee cover for their dog, so we can support them in prioritising their pet’s welfare”.

The company says that although it can provide cover for veterinary fees, it can’t cover third party liability.

Source: www.vetsurgeon.org

Strays and lost/found dogs in pounds

If there is a (genuine) owner of a potentially prohibited type stray which is in the council contracted kennels serving the statutory 7 clear days, we urge them to claim her dog, they will need some proof that it is indeed her dog to do so (photos in the home over time, microchip details, vet records etc). Please claim them, your dog’s life depends upon it.
The dog may not be immediately released as a breach has occurred (unmuzzled in public place after 31st December) but it will then be investigated by the police who can deal with the breach in the way they see fit which could be anything from advisory but ‘could’ also include a prosecution under section one. The owner MAY have a defence to this depending on circumstances but in any event whilst there is a presumption in favour of destruction the court does have the power to order a contingent destruction order and that the dog is exempted providing the owner can satisfy the court that they are a fit and proper person, that the dog can be kept securely, and that it poses no danger to public safety. However, if a dog remains unclaimed then there is no other legal option open other than to put to sleep.
The injunction secured on 30th December 2023 applies to Rehoming Organizations but not to dogs found straying or abandoned. Ordinarily a stray dog who remained unclaimed after the statutory 7 clear days held in the pound would be then either sold, released to be rehomed, or put to sleep which are the ONLY options available to councils under the stray dogs regulations, However IF this dog is an XL Bully or other prohibited breed type (or there is sufficient presumption that it is, ) then the local authority would be breaking the law if they were to release it to rescue or sell it as of the 31st December 2023.
Stray dogs across the country who were still doing their days after the 31st (and those which have entered the stray system since) who remain unclaimed at the end of the 7 clear days have sadly been and will continue to be put to sleep because the law prevents any other option. If a dog of type gets out or is stolen then the owner needs to register their claim to it and provide proof of ownership, whilst they COULD be charged under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 the dog cannot be put to sleep in the interim period providing the owner does not sign over their dog. If the owner was not responsible for the breach and it is known who was, then the person who caused the breach could be charged but the owner would have a right to be heard at that hearing with regard to the dogs future and would be able to ask the court to allow exemption of the dog rather than order destruction subject to the courts satisfaction.
People who find a dog may be discouraged from retaining it as finder because the dog must be kept for a period of 28 days which would now take them beyond the time limit to exempt before it becomes unlawful to be in possession of a prohibited breed.
Please do not direct hate at Dog Wardens, local authorities, or pounds, most are devastated to have to do this but simply have no other option available, target your anger at those who abandoned their dogs to this fate instead of being responsible and exempting.

XL Bully neutering

With the deadline for the XL Bully type dogs and the owner led exemption process by the 31st of January fast approaching, we are writing to inform you of some financial support towards neutering costs for owners in need.

As you will be aware owners can exempt their dog before neutering (see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs) but need to provide evidence of neutering by the following dates:

  • For dogs less than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024
  • For dogs older than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024

For some owners the cost of neutering may be a barrier to exemption. Blue Cross, Battersea and RSPCA have developed a joint scheme to support responsible owners, with well cared for dogs, for whom the cost of neutering is prohibitive. We hope this will help avoid situations where owners might otherwise choose euthanasia.Owners will need to demonstrate that they have gone through the other stages of the exemption process.

The scheme will be managed through the Blue Cross’s Veterinary Care Fund and will launch  on 5 February 2024. In the interim, RSPCA branches are providing vouchers where a more urgent need is identified.

Practices can apply online on behalf of their clients and the charities will provide up to a maximum £250 towards the cost of neutering eligible XL Bully type dogs. The amount of the award will vary based on the dog’s gender and procedure. Payment will be made directly to the veterinary practice.

While we understand the pressure that practices are under at the moment, we would be grateful if you could support owners in need by meeting the requirements of the exemption process and help keep pets and their people together.

As of the 31st of December rescues can no longer rehome XL Bully type dogs, so while we understand that practices and vets may not want to euthanise healthy animals we are afraid that rescue organisations can no longer help these dogs. We would ask that you consider what is likely to be in the best welfare interests of the dog. We are now seeing an increase in abandonments, putting even great pressure on our teams who are dealing with the heartbreaking reality for dogs they have been caring for.

Source:Vetclick.com