Staff at a Suffolk rescue facility are celebrating as the futures of all of the XL Bully dogs in their care have been secured ahead of the upcoming ban, while a plea for funds to help train one of the dogs is ongoing.

From December 31, it will be against the law to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL Bully dog, as well as to have one in public without a lead and a muzzle.

And from February 1 next year, it will become a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption and adhere to strict rules around microchipping and neutering. 

Owners who decide not to keep their XL Bully dogs have been told they should take their dog to a vet to euthanise it, for which there will be a compensation scheme towards the cost. 

On Monday, Suffolk Animal Rescue, which has a shop in Ipswich and a cattery in Debenham, revealed all four of the XL Bully dogs that had been in their care had found secure homes.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dave the XL Bully dog who was in the care of Suffolk Animal Rescue after he was found abandoned in Thetford ForestDave the XL Bully dog who was in the care of Suffolk Animal Rescue after he was found abandoned in Thetford Forest (Image: Suffolk Animal Rescue)

Three of them, Dave, Nigel and Amber, have been rehomed, while Nyla, who briefly went up for adoption with the centre, is set to return to her owner.

"We are so pleased to announce that thanks to all the likes and sharing all of our XL Bullies are now safe and have homes to go into," a spokesperson said.

"Some of you may have seen Nyla briefly go up for adoption. After some long chats with her owner we have made a plan to keep Nyla in her current home.

"This is fantastic news for her and her family who really don't want to part with her."

East Anglian Daily Times: Nyla the XL Bully, who is returning to her home but needs help with trainingNyla the XL Bully, who is returning to her home but needs help with training (Image: Suffolk Animal Rescue)

The centre is now asking for help to raise money for the intensive training Nyla will need to remain in her home, which a spokesperson said may come to around £1,000. 

"We are 100% behind Nyla and her family and want what is best for all of them, and best for them is Nyla staying in her home surrounded by people who love her," they said.

"We will do and pay whatever we have too to keep Nyla in her home and safe."

The centre asks anyone sending money towards Nyla's training do so via paypal to suffolkar@hotmail.com with the reference as 'Nyla'.