Apply to withdraw a Certificate of Exemption for a dog
Owners with a Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully dog can apply to withdraw it if they no longer believe it’s an XL Bully.
Applies to England and Wales
In order to use this service, you must be the named person (usually the dog owner) on the Certificate of Exemption to withdraw it.
It’s up to the dog owner to:
- determine that the dog is not an XL Bully
- withdraw a Certificate of Exemption for a dog
Use the XL Bully conformation standard to check if your dog is an XL Bully.
It is your responsibility as the dog’s owner to determine whether your dog meets the XL Bully type definition. Defra cannot comment on individual cases.
You should take a precautionary approach. If you are unsure whether your dog is an XL Bully, you should not withdraw your certificate and you should continue to comply with the conditions for exempted dogs.
Once a Certificate of Exemption is withdrawn, it cannot be reinstated and you cannot apply for a replacement.
If you withdraw a Certificate of Exemption for a dog which is found to be an XL Bully:
- you will be committing a criminal offence
- your dog may be seized
- you will have to go through the courts to keep the dog
When to use this service
To use this service:
- you must be the registered holder of an XL Bully Certificate of Exemption that was issued for a dog in England or Wales between 14 November 2023 and 1 February 2024
When not to use this service
You cannot use this service:
- if a court issued the Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully dog
- to withdraw other types of banned dogs
Withdraw more than one Certificate of Exemption
If you have 2 or more dogs that each have a Certificate of Exemption, apply separately for each dog.
Before you start
You’ll need to know the Exempted Dog Index Number for your dog.
If you cannot find your Exempted Dog Index Number
You can find the Exempted Dog Index Number on your Certificate of Exemption.
To find your Certificate of Exemption, search your email inbox for an email from awddi@defra.gov.uk.
If after searching you cannot find the Exempted Dog Index Number, email dogsindex@defra.gov.uk.
Other ways to apply
You can also apply by post or email. Fill in the form and send it to the postal address or email address within the form.
If you do not receive a response from us within 30 days, please get in touch.
Get help
For help with this service, email: dogsindex@defra.gov.uk
Find out more about the ban on XL Bully dogs.