Cheltenham American bully XL owner spends £1k to keep dogs

Elise Philcox with one of her dogs, Roxy

The owner of two American bully XL dogs says applying for the certificate to comply with new rules has been a "financial strain".

Elise Philcox from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, claims she has spent £1,000 on the process.

From 1 February, it will be illegal to own a bully XL in England and Wales following a rise in attacks.

Owners have until 31 January to apply for an exemption certificate if they want to keep their pets.

The certificate will prove they have public liability insurance and are prepared to keep their dog on a lead and muzzled in public.

• Why are American bully XLs being banned?

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it is important that bully XL owners take the necessary steps.

The rules about muzzles and leads in public come into force on 31 December.

Elise Philcox said she has started walking her dogs at night to avoid "horrible" looks from people

It will also be illegal from that date to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, and abandon the breed or let them stray.

Dogs on the exempt list will also have to be neutered and microchipped.

Ms Philcox, who owns two American XL bullies, and has a young son, said owners are quite nervous about the ban.

'They're loving dogs'

"I couldn't imagine my life without these dogs. They're clever, they're energetic, they're loving. They're very family-centred dogs," she said.

"I understand the ban but I'm very confused as to why it's come out so quickly and why other things haven't been done to find a way around this."

The application for the exemption certificate costs £92.40 per animal. Ms Philcox said neutering cost her £350 per dog and that microchipping is also costly.

Ms Philcox said her one-year-old XL bully Ruby is a "friendly and family-centred" dog

Georgia Hemming, animal behaviourist from Teckels Animal Sanctuary in Gloucestershire said they have had an increase in calls from people asking for advice about their dogs.

"[It's] Incredibly sad that people are finding themselves worried about what the future with their dog might look like," she said.

Anyone who does not want to apply for a certificate will need to have their pet euthanised, something the RSPCA opposes.

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said the ban could put pressure on rescue centres and vets.

Ms Gaines said: "The ban on bully XL dogs not only remains devastating for so many dogs, but is also taking a heavy toll on owners, on rescue centre staff who have grown close to dogs in their care, and to veterinary teams who face the prospect of being asked to put to sleep healthy dogs whose behaviour poses no risk."