Ash Croft Vets
Hardwick
169 St Neots Road
Hardwick
Cambridge, CB23 7QJ
Tel: 01954 210250
Papworth
Pendrill Court
Papworth
Cambridgeshire, CB23 3UY
Tel: 01480 831615
Emergency Out of Hours
Tel: 08455 004247
News, Help & Advice
News
NEW cat micro chipping law
There is less than a year left until the new cat microchipping law comes into effect
From 10th June 2024, all cats are required to be microchipped by the time they reach the age of 20 weeks old.
There is less than a year left until the new cat microchipping law comes into effect
From 10th June 2024, all cats are required to be microchipped by the time they reach the age of 20 weeks old.
Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs
What XL Bully dog owners, vets and rehoming centres need to do to prepare for the ban.
What XL Bully dog owners, vets and rehoming centres need to do to prepare for the ban.
Full information can be found on the official government website:
Following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Dogs Trust advice can be found here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/at-home/american-bully-xl
To help current owners adapt to the new laws, these changes will come into force in 2 stages.
From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:
sell an XL Bully dog
abandon an XL Bully dog
give away an XL Bully dog
breed from an XL Bully dog
have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
You will need to adhere to strict rules such as microchipping your dog and keeping it on a lead and muzzled when in public.
You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.
Alternatively, if you are an owner of an XL Bully, you may decide not to keep it, in which case you should take your dog to a registered vet to euthanise it. There will be a compensation scheme towards the cost of euthanasia if you choose this option.
From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:
sell an XL Bully dog
abandon an XL Bully dog
give away an XL Bully dog
breed from an XL Bully dog
have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
You will need to adhere to strict rules such as microchipping your dog and keeping it on a lead and muzzled when in public.
You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.
Alternatively, if you are an owner of an XL Bully, you may decide not to keep it, in which case you should take your dog to a registered vet to euthanise it. There will be a compensation scheme towards the cost of euthanasia if you choose this option.
Pet Passports
UK pet passports are no longer valid for travel.
If you are planning on taking your pet abroad this year, please contact us for advice on the process.
Also, when planning to travel, always check the Defra website
to ensure you are fully aware of all possible changes that may impact on your plans.
