LICENCEME GROUP LTD CHALLENGES UK GOVERNMENT'S XL BULLY BAN
Licenceme Group Ltd submits judicial review application and interim injunction to challenge the XL Bully ban, supported by over 600,000 petition signatures, animal welfare experts and dog behavioural experts.
Licenceme Group Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ending inhumane breed-
specific legislation (BSL) through education and licensing. On the 14th December 2023 they lodged an application for an interim injunction and Judicial Review. This is to challenge the UK Government's ban on XL Bully dogs.
The action is backed by strong community support with over 600,000 petition signatures. A number of prolific animal welfare and behaviour experts also lend their support to this legal challenge.
The UK Government's announcement on 15th September by Rishi Sunak, stating that the XL Bully breed will be banned by the end of the year, has prompted Licenceme Group Ltd and their supporters to tirelessly raise over £170,000 to fund this legal challenge.
The organisation is urgently seeking an interim injunction before the ban takes effect on 31st December. If successful, the injunction will halt the legislation until the judicial review is heard.
The Governments intended action emphatically highlights the detrimental impact of this ban on dog owners, mental health, rescue organisations, public entities, and veterinary
professionals.
The organisation hopes for an alternative solution, focusing on responsible ownership,
licensing and education. Drawing inspiration from successful models such as the Calgary Model, Licenceme Group Ltd proposes a system of dog licencing. The Calgary Model, enacted in the city of Calgary, Canada, has resulted in the lowest number of dog bites in 25 years.
The proposed ban places an undue burden on dog owners whose pets fall within the XL
Bully 'type' defined by the Government. Compliance requires costly exemption procedures, including third-party liability insurance, neutering, muzzle, and leash requirements in public places.
Moreover, the ban prohibits the rehoming of any dogs falling under the 'type' after 31st December 2023, placing rescue organisations in the heartbreaking position of having to euthanise healthy dogs in their care.
Inadequate compensation of £200 has been offered to dog owners considering surrendering their pets for euthanasia.
At the Government debate 'Legislation on Dangerous Dogs', held on 27th November, Sir
Christopher Chope MP raised a parliamentary motion opposing the new rules. The motion, supported by an additional 11 government officials, including Conservative representatives, demonstrates growing concern within the government itself.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, widely criticised for its failure to address the underlying
causes of dog bites and aggressive behaviour, forms the basis for this ban. There is no
substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of the Act in reducing aggressive
behaviour or preventing bite-related fatalities and injuries.
For further information and resources, please contact hello@licenceme.org.uk or visit