Key Points
• Third party liability insurance will no longer be required from 1 July 2026.
• A new supervision requirement involving children under 12 will come into force from 1 November 2026.
• DEFRA has still not published a process for removing a dog from the Index of Exempted Dogs.
• Existing exemption conditions remain in force unless specifically changed.
DEFRA has updated its guidance relating to dogs exempted under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, including XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers and other prohibited types registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
The changes introduce one significant relaxation of the exemption requirements and one new legal duty for keepers.
Third party insurance requirement to end
From 1 July 2026, owners of exempted Section 1 dogs will no longer be required to hold third party public liability insurance as a condition of exemption.
The requirement had previously been met by many owners through the Dogs Trust Companion Club scheme. DEFRA’s updated guidance confirms that insurance only needs to remain in place until 30 June 2026.
New child supervision requirement
A new legal duty will be introduced from 1 November 2026.
Under the new rules, keepers of exempted Section 1 dogs must not allow a child under the age of 12 to be left in close proximity to the dog in a private place without adult supervision.
Further details are expected to be set out in the relevant Statutory Instrument. At the time of writing, the legislation containing the precise definitions and legal wording has not yet been published.
Unanswered questions about removing dogs from the index
Despite the latest update, DEFRA has still not provided a process for removing a dog from the Index of Exempted Dogs.
The current guidance continues to state that further information will be provided “soon”.
The issue remains important for some owners who registered dogs during the XL Bully transition period and who are seeking clarity on whether there will be a mechanism to remove a dog from the Index in future.
At present, no formal process has been announced and no timetable has been published.
What this means for dog guardians
• Owners of exempted dogs will no longer need to maintain third party liability insurance after 30 June 2026.
• The new supervision requirement involving children under 12 should be reviewed before it comes into force on 1 November 2026.
• Existing exemption requirements remain unchanged unless specifically amended.
• There is still no published route for removing a dog from the Index of Exempted Dogs.
Further info
For readers looking for more background on the legislation, Yappily has previously covered the history and requirements of the XL Bully ban, a guide to prohibited dog breeds in the UK, and a recent court case involving an XL Bully owner following a fatal dog attack. These articles provide additional context on the legal framework surrounding prohibited types and responsible dog ownership:
• Understanding the XL Bully Ban: What You Need to Know
• Full List of Banned Dog Breeds in the UK: Which Breeds Are Prohibited?
• XL Bully Owner Jailed Following Fatal Dog Attack in Essex
Source: DEFRA’s official guidance on exempted dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
FAQs
Do XL Bullies still need insurance?
No. DEFRA has confirmed that the requirement for third-party liability insurance will end on 1 July 2026.
When does XL Bully insurance end?
Owners must maintain the required insurance until 30 June 2026. The requirement is removed from 1 July 2026.
What is the new child supervision rule?
From 1 November 2026, keepers of exempted Section 1 dogs must not allow a child under 12 to be left in close proximity to the dog in a private place without adult supervision.
Can I remove my XL Bully from the Index of Exempted Dogs?
At the time of writing, DEFRA has not published a process for removing a dog from the Index of Exempted Dogs and states that further information will be provided in future.
Do XL Bullies still need to be muzzled in public?
Yes. The updated guidance does not remove the requirement for exempted dogs to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places.
Are Pit Bull Terriers affected by these changes?
Yes. The changes apply to all dogs exempted under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, including XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers and other prohibited types registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
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