Like many thousands of people across the country, my family owns a large bull breed dog. Our beloved pet has ''a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for its size''. Therefore, under new vague government legislation, he is now classified as an XL Bully as many other thousands of dogs will be. 

This classification means owners of these dogs are now required to pay £92.40 for an exemption certificate, purchase third-party public liability insurance (minimum £25 per year) have their dogs microchipped, neutered or spayed (excess of £250) and must buy a muzzle(s) for the dog to wear in public spaces. These costs are significant and were not a requirement for any of these dogs. XL Bully or otherwise, before 31st December 2023. 

Whilst I do not fundamentally believe this is even the correct course of action in the first instance (there are other excellent petitions attempting to change the legislation as a whole). This immediate alteration should not come at the cost of the vast majority of kind and responsible dog owners who own large bull breeds of dog. The definitions being used to categorise XL Bully's draw many thousands of other similar dogs into this legislation and it should not be at the cost of the responsible owners of these animals. The government have introduced these restrictions so it should not be the responsibility of the owners to finance these sweeping changes. 

We request the government reimburse or cover the up-front cost for the owners of dogs that fit their description for the cost of compliance with these new regulations. The financial burden placed on us by this legislation is unjustified given most bull breeds are good natured animals and the broad categorisation of what constitutes an XL Bully now means thousands of other dogs are also going to have to abide by these steps.

Please sign this petition if you believe that the government should cover the costs of what is required for all types of dogs which now meet the vague criteria set out by the government on XL Bully legislation.