November 2026 law change for thousands of dog owners

The RSPCA has issued advice to dog owners ahead of a change in the law regarding children being left on their own with dogs:

 “Our advice to all parents with dogs is to never leave kids and dogs alone, unsupervised…..The bond between dogs and children can be absolutely wonderful, but it’s important to remember that pets and young kids communicate very differently and, no matter how well we think we know our dogs, there are sometimes instances when they bite…..Any dog - whether a banned type or not - has the potential to bite and we want to remind all dog owners that they should never leave dogs and children unsupervised.”

From 01 November 2026, it will be illegal to leave a child under the age of 12 years near a dog on the banned dog breed list, in private, without adult supervision.

In 2024 it became an offence to became illegal in England, Scotland, and Wales to:

• Own an XL Bully dog without an exemption certificate,
• sell an XL Bully dog,
• abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray,
• give away an XL Bully dog,
• breed or breed from an XL Bully dog,
• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

Other banned dog breeds are the: Pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

A certificate of exemption lets you keep a banned dog, as long as it does not behave dangerously and you follow certain rules. The dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and always muzzled when in public.  It must also be kept in a secure place so that it cannot escape. The dog can stay at another address for up to 30 days over a 12-month period.

As the owner, you must take out insurance against your dog injuring other people (the Dogs Trust can provide this insurance), be aged over 16, show the certificate of exemption when asked by a Police officer or council dog warden (at the time or within five days) and let the index of exempted dogs know if you change address or the dog dies. 

An exempted dog can be destroyed if these conditions are not met.

If you are convicted you could face a fine or imprisonment (or both). Your dog can also be destroyed.

For free initial legal advice about any criminal matter contact our team on: 01606592159.