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As restrictions over the ownership of American XL Bully dogs extend across the UK, Guernsey's stance on the potentially dangerous pet, and other dogs, has been reiterated - with a licence already needed to bring one in to the Bailiwick.
Since 1 January it has been against the law to 'sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL Bully' in England and Wales, while further restrictions came in on 1 February requiring all owners to hold an exemption certificate for their pet.
The government says it received more than 35,000 applications for exemption.
All registered dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
Existing owners could also apply for £200 compensation if they had their dog put to sleep rather than comply with the new rules. At least 150 were euthanised according to a BBC report.
Amid claims of an "influx of dogs being rehomed north of the border", Scotland brings in the first phase of restrictions from 23 February with exemption certificates needed from July.
The animals may face bans in Northern Ireland soon too.
Guernsey does not have a 'dangerous dogs' list enshrined in law, but it does have a long list of dogs which require an import licence.
The 27-long list includes the American Bulldog and American Bully along with the four other breeds banned in the UK: the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dodo Argentina, and the Fila Brazileiro.
Anyone wanting to bring any of the 27 dogs on the list into the Bailiwick must complete an 'Application for a Licence to Import Live Animals and Animal Products'.
Guernsey's Deputy States Veterinary Officer, Grace Hodgkinson, said the application is not guaranteed to be successful with assessments required based on each application.
“Although Guernsey does not maintain a list of banned dog breeds, certain dog breeds, including the American Bully, cannot be imported into the Bailiwick without a licence. The full list of breeds and cross breeds which require a licence is available at gov.gg/petmovements.
“Ordinarily, behavioural assessments and other assurances are required before a licence can be granted to import any of the breeds on this list.”
Jersey is looking to follow Guernsey into bringing in the licence system.
From 24 February, owners wishing to travel out of the island with their XL Bully dog will need to apply for an export licence from the Government’s Animal Health and Welfare Team. They will also need written confirmation that their dog can enter all the countries they are travelling to or through.
The legislation changes do not impact XL Bully dogs currently residing in Jersey that will not be travelling in and out of the island.
The American XL Bully faced the national restrictions following a string of fatal dog attacks.
There aren't any statistics for exactly how many XL Bullies were involved but the BBC reports that of 23 deaths caused by dog attacks since the start of 2021, the UK government said the XL Bully was "disproportionately involved".
Pictured top: An XL Bully type dog.
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