We are pleased to announce that we, Don't Ban Me Licence Me, will be acting as the client on behalf of the community.
The Prime Minister announced he will ban the “XL Bully” by the end of the year. We intend to robustly and legally challenge the Government on this decision.
*Important Update*
Today, the Don’t Ban Me - Licence Me group submitted a Pre-Action Protocol to the Government, via the barrister
@John_Cooper_QC
Read more in the graphics:
#XLbully
#xlbullyban
I am very pleased to say that having been instructed to challenge the
#xlbully
ban we have just served on
@theresecoffey
and her Department a Pre Action Protocol in Judicial Review which launches the legal challenge. Such an important case.
#dogs
Please support us.
@25BedfordRow
'The public must be protected, but the Goverment's decision doesn't protect them. The Dangerous Dog Act of 1991 didn't stop bites and fatalities - in fact there are more fatalities and bites now than then' - by
@John_Cooper_QC
#dogs
#xlbullyban
#BSL
A quick update - we are nearly there !
We plan to submit tomorrow and have a live broadcast tomorrow evening so that the legal team can explain what happens next and answer questions.
We need your help -
The government have drastically under-estimated how many dogs will be affected by the XL Bully ban. We have a limited window to collect this information before we need to submit it to the Court.
#xlbullyban
Barrister
@John_Cooper_QC
explains why the Dangerous Dog Act is not fit for purpose.
John addressed a live audience of over 1,300 concerned dog owners last night and spoke about the legal action the community is taking.
#xlbully
£100,000!!! Wow!
Thank you so much to each and everyone of you who has donated, shared, hosted a fundraiser, purchased our merch or even just followed us and our movement.
With your support we can do this!
Link to our GoFundMe:
Thank you!
We are all set for court tomorrow. A few of the DBMLM team will be there alongside the legal team.
The hearing will not be recorded or live streamed (to our knowledge) but we will take notes so that we can share as much as possible with you afterwards.
#dontbanmelicenceme
On 27th November at 4:30pm, there will be 2 parliamentary debates: one on repealing the current Dangerous Dogs Act & another against XL Bully Ban.
Head to to send an email to your MP following our template.
#xlbullyban
#dogs
#stopbsl
What is a Judicial Review?
@John_Cooper_QC
explains more about the legal challenge against the government regarding the
#xlbully
ban in a live address to over 1,300 dog owners.
The community has come together to campaign for a better solution than a breed ban.
There have been multiple features in the press since yesterday and we’ve captured some of the highlights in the screenshots.
Most importantly - huge and heartfelt thank you for your words of support and donations. We would not be here today without them. 💙
#dontbanmelicenceme
"We need to focus on licencing and educating owners, with compulsory training and tougher punishments to prevent people from impulse buying dogs” - read a new article published today
The
@BritishVets
have written to the government outlining their ongoing concerns regarding XL bully ban. You can read the full letter at
#xlbullyban
#dogs
*Live with
@John_Cooper_QC
tonight*
It's the opportunity for you to ask questions. If you aren't on Instagram, DM us or pop your questions in the comments - we will address them on your behalf.
#xlbullyban
#breedspecificlegislation
Today at 4:30pm MPs will debate 2x petitions related to dangerous dogs legislation.
Please tweet your MP with your thoughts & remind them to attend this debate. You can use
#PetitionDebate
None of the reputable animal welfare experts in the UK support Government's decision on the XL bully ban - flawed data, not evidence based & most importanty is not aimed to protect the public as
#BSL
has never been proven to be effective.
#stopbsl
#dogs
Ben Spencer & his wife Jordan are campaigning with us to put an end to the breed specific legislation & advocate for licencing & responsible ownership
Read full article
We appreciate that not everyone can watch the live broadcasts, so here is a brief summary of what was covered on yesterday's live.
#XLBullyBan
#dontbanmelicenceme
#dogs
'XL bully type' - it doesn't matter what breed of dog you have, what matters is the look & measurements. Posted the game 'Spot XL bully' the other day- all those are 9 different breeds, but according to new law all will be classed under 'XL bully type'.
Today government updated 'Official definition' that now includes photos. The definition is still vague & leaves owners of other large breeds in worries.
We urgently need your support, this about all dogs not just XL bullies.
#dogs
#stopbsl
#xlbullyban
We know things may seem quiet since the ban came into effect and while we wait for the April court date.
Here are some of the things we’ve been up to outside of the legal challenge. 💙
#dontbanmelicenceme
The exemption form is now live. We cannot advise whether you should apply now or wait, but we can assure you Legal team are making the necessary applications.
#dontbanmelicenceme
#stopbsl
#dogs
We’ve all been inspired by how many people have come together to take this campaign forward. We believe that together we have a chance for a better future for dogs and their owners.
💙
Visit: to donate and for more information.
As of 1st January, thousands of dogs won't be longer themselves- no fetch games, no meeting friends & playing with them. Muzzle & short lead because of the way they look. The ones that weren't lucky to have their owners fighting for them, will be killed for the way they look..
We need to fight this, otherwise on New Year's Eve every dog that fits the Gov's incredibly vague description that's in rescue will have to be killed. That's every stocky smooth coated dog higher than 19 inches at the shoulder. £64,000 raised so far.
I heard today of someone
Please continue to speak up, share your stories and educate people on why this ban is the wrong way forward. The government cannot look the other way when so many voices are calling for change.
A further legal update and please understand that we will provide more information on new counsel when we can.
We will always make decisions that we feel are in the best interest of the dogs - that is our first and foremost priority.
#XLBullyBan
#XLBullies
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to pay attention to the sensationalist language used by the media and campaign groups when it comes to dog attacks.
As a campaign group, we make a conscious effort not to contribute to any vitriol towards pro-ban campaign groups.
Licensing. We’ve never really talked about what that could look like and we need to point out that we are not able to take a licensing campaign into the court room as a solution.
#dontbanmelicenceme
#generalelection
#doglicence
We're hesitant to post this given the tragic news this week that a woman had lost her life to a dog attack, however we have always believed that it’s important to share the facts. South Yorkshire Police posted information below hours ago.
Further to our legal updates yesterday we have more information within this video message.
We intend to organise a live broadcast very soon, so please keep an eye on our IG stories for a time.
Further to yesterday's debate, we urge you to write to your MP again, particularly if your MP is against ban - to add their signature to Early Day Motion.
Updated template can be found at
#dogs
#XLbully
ban isn't in effect as of yet, but the amount of abandoned dogs is just horrendous. Panic, uncertainty about the exemption rules will lead to a mass cull of innocent
#dogs
"We are also concerned about Defra’s definition of an American Bully XL type, which is not only hugely subjective and open to interpretation for the individuals enforcing this legislation"...
Statement released by Dog Control Coalition
As we keep emphasising: This is a community-wide effort and it’s been a fantastic example of people expressing their disagreement over the ban, through signatures on the petition and donations to the legal challenge.
We are proud to be supported by the American Bully Kennel Club
(ABKC) and will be working with other fundraisers, campaigns and groups to ensure funds go towards the cause.
#endbsl
#xlbullyban
#xlbully
Our time offline has been well spent. The team took some well needed rest which has enabled us to come back together with the drive and energy needed to work on a strategy based on where we are and what we know today, with the focus remaining on the legal challenge
#xlbullyban
A success for all rescues going into the new year and amazing work from Carla Lane Animals in Need Liverpool in securing this injunction 💙
Their full post can be found on their Facebook page, linked here:
An update on funds that has also been shared through the Go Fund Me page for donors.
We will provide an update for you as soon as we hear from the Court. 💙
#xlbullyban
#xlbullyuk
#dontbanmelicenceme
DEFRA have updated the Guidance - Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs.
They have made clear that Third party public liability insurance for an XL Bully dog must be in the same name as the person named on the Certificate of Exemption.
#xlbullyuk
#EndBSL
#xlbullyban
We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a woman's life this week due to a dog attack. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
We are refraining from further comment, as it would be inappropriate to do so when we do not know the circumstances or the history…
While the focus in the media has stayed firmly on the XL Bully, it’s clear from reports that dog aggression is not breed specific and even though the ban is in place, it's still a prevalent issue in our society. The government may choose to ignore the wider issue, but we won’t.
Ignoring the larger issue of dog aggression is becoming dangerous. Pro ban campaigners and the government have attempted to minimise dog aggression incidents where XL bullys have not been involved as it does not fit their narrative.
@artyjrs
- Dont Ban Me - Licence Me editions💙
Jennifer (
@artyjrs
) is a digital artist. For the DBMLM x
@artyjrs
campaign, Jennifer has decided to donate 50% of the profits to our legal fundraiser.
You can purchase these beautiful cards
We now need to urgently raise funds to be prepared for a potential legal challenge in response to the proposed ban.
Legal challenges can be costly and time-consuming, but they can also be an effective means of disputing such legislation and advocating for change.
However, we fully recognise the need to enhance dog ownership standards for everyone and safeguard public safety and animal welfare through a robust licensing system.
Full statement:
The government is yet to come up with a realistic and effective solution for dog aggression. We have a dog licensing proposal on our website that we think will make a difference for the long term:
It is not mutually exclusive to think more needs to be done about dog attacks and that a licencing model should be implemented. Dog aggression is a non-breed specific issue. The ban will not stop dog aggression across breeds.
We shared a post with stats from South Yorkshire Police, who have historically supported the XL bully ban. The fact that they’ve shared a post with a quote saying that any dog has the capacity to cause harm and damage is significant, they’re recognising there is a wider issue.
There are over 58,000 dogs registered via the XL Bully exemption process and we do not believe there to be 58,000 inherently dangerous dogs, which is why we are challenging the government's decision to ban the XL bully via a Judicial Review.