Considering the government's recent announcement to place XL Bully type dogs on the DDA (Dangerous Dog Act), we have reviewed our policy in order to widen it to include covering dogs on the DDA.
We will be able to cover banned breeds, subject to them having an exemption certificate.
It is a condition precedent to liability that for any dog which is a banned breed under the dangerous dogs act 1991 and/or as subsequently amended within the united kingdom the following guidelines are strictly adhered to whilst the dog is in your care, custody or control:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 at all times.
4. All guidelines under the index of exempted dogs are strictly adhered to and the dog must be:
i. Neutered
ii. Micro Chipped
iii. Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times
iv. Kept in a secure place, so it cannot escape
Below is the link for the Governments official definition of an XL Bully Dog:
Governments Official Definition of an XL Bully Dog
DOG WALKERS
As your insurer, you will be covered to walk an XL Bully Dog on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government terms
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times – in public
7. If you are walking on a 1:1 basis in a privately rented secure field, you may remove the lead and muzzle on the following basis:
- The field must be private property with no public access passing through
- The field must be securely fenced so the dog cannot escape
- The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled until the gate is shut when entering the field
- The dog is put back on a lead and muzzled before opening the gate to leave the field
- If the household has more than 1 dog, they can come to the field together as long as they have a minimum of 1 handler. All dogs leads and muzzles can be removed once in the field including the XL Bully.
- If there are dogs from different households, the banned breed will need to remain muzzled and on a lead at all times with a 1:1 handler.
FIELD HIRE
As your insurer, you will be covered to hire out your private fields for an XL Bully Dog on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times unless with other dogs from the same household
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The field is private property with no public access passing through
7. The field is securely fenced so the dog cannot escape
8. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled until the gate is shut when entering the field
9. The dog is put back on a lead and muzzled before opening the gate to leave the field
10. You can remove the lead and muzzle once inside the secured field
11. If the household has more than 1 dog, they can come to the field together as long as they have a minimum of 1 handler. All dogs leads and muzzles can be removed once in the field including the XL Bully
12. If there are dogs from different households, the banned breed will need to remain muzzled and on a lead at all time with a 1:1 handler
If the household has more than 1 dog, they can come to the field together, the lead and muzzle can be removed once in the field. If there are dogs from different households the banned breed will need to remain muzzled and on a lead at all time with a 1:1 handler
DOG TRAINERS / BEHAVIOURISTS
As your insurer, you will be covered to train an XL Bully Dog in a group class on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times (this can be yourself, a member of staff or the owner aged over 18)
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public and classes
7. If you are providing the training on a 1:1 basis at the customers home or a privately rented secure field where the dog cannot escape from, the dog is not required to be on a lead or muzzled.
HYDROTHERAPISTS / GROOMER
As your insurer, you will be covered to provide hydrotherapy to an XL Bully Dog on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when arriving at your complex
7. The dog is treated on your private property and is secured and cannot escape
8. You can remove the lead and muzzle if necessary whilst the dog is in the water as long as you feel comfortable with this
KENNELS
As your insurer, you will be covered to kennel an XL Bully Dog on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when arriving and leaving your kennels
7. The dog is kept separately in a kennel of its own
8. If at any point the dog mixes with other dogs, it must be kept on a lead with a muzzle and a 1:1 handler
9. You must check with your local council that your licence allows you to board banned breeds
10. If walking an XL Bully, you must comply with the dog walker rules above
HOME BOARDING
As your insurer, you will be covered to board an XL Bully Dog in your home on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when arriving and leaving your home
7. The dog can be off lead and unmuzzled whilst in your private home
8. You must check with your local council that your licence allows you to board banned breeds
9. If walking an XL Bully, you must comply with the dog walker rules above.
DOG DAYCARE
As your insurer, you will be covered to have an XL Bully Dog in your Daycare facility on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept separately in a room of its own
7. If at any point the dog mixes with other dogs, it must be kept on a lead with a muzzle and a 1:1 handler
8. You must check with your local council that your licence allows you to facilitate banned breeds
9. If walking an XL Bully, you must comply with the dog walker rules above
PET SITTING / PET MINDING
As your insurer, you will be covered to pet sit or pet mind an XL Bully Dog on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
7. The dog can be off lead and unmuzzled whilst in the customers private home
8. If walking an XL Bully, you must comply with the dog walker rules above.
9. You must check with your local council that your licence allows you to board banned breeds
PET TAXI
As your insurer, you will be covered to provide a pet taxi service for an XL Bully Dog on the following basis:
1. The dog is registered with the index of exempted dog (IED) and a copy of the life certificate is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
2. A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is obtained and provided to us in the event of a claim.
3. The dog handler ratio is 1:1 with their handler at all times
4. The dog is Neutered – in line with Government Rules
5. The dog is Micro Chipped
6. The dog is kept on a lead and muzzled at all times
There will always be situations and scenarios that have not been mentioned, but ultimately, in the event of a claim, each case will be dealt with individually on its own merits.