The XL Bully ban is now in full force, and owners are resigned to walking their dogs on a tight leash, or face strict ramifications. All dogs must be supervised at all times and muzzled, after the breed was deemed dangerous, and blamed for 23 deaths in the last three years.
Since the ban and rules were announced in October 2023, owners have been training their dogs to get used to being muzzled. Many are also wondering where they can take their dogs that is secure for a run around off the lead.
Hannah Parratt, from Addlestone, offers a facility at Fallows Farm called Ray’s Place where dogs can roam freely. The former pig farm, which was owned by her dad, Ray, now has a bookable field specifically for dogs.
READ MORE:
Mystery solved after dog found wandering Gatwick airport with 'no passport'
The Surrey dogs looking for homes in 2024 including one dog one who's been there two years
The farm was named Ray’s Place, after Hannah’s dog sadly passed away eight years ago. After his death, the family decided to set up a doggy daycare in his honour, which transformed into a secure and private dog walking facility, used by owners, dog walkers and trainers.
Hannah said: “We opened just as the XL Bully ban came into force, and there was a gap in the market for secure fields. I have a rottweiler myself, who is nervous and I take him on the fields, otherwise, I have to muzzle him on the street.”
Ray’s place has up to seven acres for dogs to explore, but despite the freedom of the fields, XL Bully’s and their owners still have rules to follow. Hannah explains: “You have to have insurance, and provide a certificate for the dog. They must be neutered as well, per government guidance.”
Visitors with XL Bully’s need to keep their dog on a lead from the moment it arrives, until it enters the field. They can’t visit with friends though, so it has to be kept as a solo trip, or dogs from the same household.
When SurreyLive asked why Hannah decided to extend her welcome and create a safe environment to the breed that has otherwise been banned, she said: “They deserve the same as other dogs, and they are being punished, and they don’t understand. It’s all things we take for granted.”
Dog training, dog walking and sitting independently takes place on the fields, and it’s a good alternative for nervous dogs, or dogs learning recall. Eventually, Hannah wants to set up an agility course for dogs to play on.
To book at Ray’s Place, visitors can take either a 30 minute or 60 minute slot. For between one to three dogs, it’s £8, or £12 for a 30 minute session with four to six dogs, or £12 for an hour session for between one to three dogs, and £16 for four to six dogs.
Sessions can be made from between 8am and 5pm. All slots are bookable via the Ray’s Place website.
XL Bully rules for Ray’s Place:
XL Bullies must only be exercised with dogs and people from the same household
As per Government rules, the dog must be neutered
The dog must be microchipped
Registered with the Index of Exempted Dog (IED) and a certificate is obtained and available in the event of any claim
Remain muzzled and on a lead until the dog is secured in the paddock ensuring no escape. And the dog must have a lead and muzzle reapplied and secured before the secure field is opened/exited
A copy of the Public Liability Insurance Certificate for the dog and a certificate is obtained and available in the event of any claim
The dog owner/handler does not leave the dog unattended or in the care of anyone else while using the secure field
No one is granted access to the field other than the dog owner/carer
New restrictions on the XL Bully dogs are now in force (31 December) making it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.
A Government spokesperson added: "The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from these dangerous dogs, with 23 people sadly losing their lives after vicious dog attacks in the last three years. XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths.
"Owners are also being urged to apply to register their current XL Bully dogs, as the Government takes action to safely manage the existing population of the breed. There is only a month left to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February."
Get more news from SurreyLive straight to your inbox for free here.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
