Animal rescue centres are at “huge risk” of being inundated with abandoned XL bully dogs as a Government ban looms, the RSPCA has warned.

From December 31 the dogs must be muzzled in public and it will be illegal to breed, sell or abandon them, although owners can ask a vet to put them down and claim compensation.

Owners will need to apply for an exemption to keep their dogs after February 1 2023.

The RSPCA, which opposes the ban, has warned that vets and rescue centres across the country are already seeing an increase in the abandoned breed and that many may be unable to cope with the rising demand.

It comes after the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) warned of increased abandonment rates and said the new rules may lead to a “postcode lottery” for vets being able to help owners meet the terms.

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We have long campaigned against breed-specific legislation, which bans dogs simply due to the way they look.

“This has failed to effectively protect the public and animal’s welfare and has seen countless dogs who have not shown aggression lose their lives.

“Already, there are anecdotal reports of dogs being surrendered or abandoned across the rescue sector – and we fear as the deadline for the XL bully dog looms, this problem is going to get worse.

“There is a huge risk that rescue centres and the veterinary profession will not be able to cope with the demands put on them by this law

“We urgently need more information and support from the UK Government so that we can help support owners and dogs affected by this ban.”

The full ban will come into place on February 1, meaning owners have just over six weeks left to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dogs, or face potential criminal proceedings and an unlimited fine.

To qualify for an exemption certificate, owners must prove their XL bully has been neutered by June 30.

If the pup is less than a year old by January 31, they must neutered by the end of 2024, and evidence must be provided.

There is a huge risk that rescue centres and the veterinary profession will not be able to cope with the demands put on them by this law

As well as neutering their animals, XL bully owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped.

So far, 4,000 owners have applied for an exemption, although Dr Gaines urged others to come forward before the deadline, saying it was important they prepare for the ban “as soon as possible”.

She said there had been more than 50,000 visits to the RSPCA advice page since September, an “unprecedented number” which reflects “deep concern and desire for clarity” from owners.

The measures were introduced after a rise in dog attacks over recent years. Until 2021 there were about three deaths a year, but there have since been 23.

People with dangerously out of control dogs can be jailed for 14 years and banned from owning animals, and their pets can be put down.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: “We have taken quick and decisive action to protect the public from dog attacks by adding the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“Clear guidance is in place for owners on the strict conditions that must be met from December 31 – including ensuring their dog is on a lead and muzzle in public. A transition period runs until January 31 2024, allowing owners who wish to keep their dog to apply for an exemption scheme.

“If owners are unsure whether their dog is an XL bully, they should take a precautionary approach and comply with the relevant requirements and restrictions as they come into force. If someone has a dog that is clearly another established breed, such as a rottweiler, the XL Bully ban does not apply.”