A new law which was set in motion last October is set to clamp down on XL Bully owners from Wednesday.

Under new legal restrictions, owners of XL Bullies must have applied for an exemption to the ban by midday on January 31, or risk losing their dog.

Owners must also abide by other regulations which will see an end to the XL Bully breeding, including a requirement to spay and neuter dogs.

XL Bullies must also be muzzled outside of a private home, including in the car and when out on a walk.

Owners face up to 14 years in prison should their dog attack someone.

Laura, 25, from Iver has spent over £500 to ensure her dog, Dior, meets the government guidance by spaying her and paying the £93 exemption fee on top of £25 insurance.

"It was over £500 just to keep my dog alive," she added.

"Some people physically can't afford that. Especially not before Christmas."

Speaking on Dior's temperament, Laura said she is "very docile".

"She is still friendly, she still wants to socialise. But because she has a muzzle on people think she is aggressive. People cross the road."

Laura says she has dealt with a lot of negativity, with "kids screaming" and other dog owners "pulling their dogs away". On one occasion she claims to have been cold "scum" by a passing individual. 

She added that she travels via public transport to visit her horses and finds herself avoiding peak times for fear of public reaction.

Laura also walks Dior on two leads, one attached to her waist and a second held in her hand to ease concerns over dropping the lead.

"She has been muzzle trained from October, spayed in November and exempt from November," Laura said.

Speaking about the handling of the ban, Laura said: "I think the situation has been handled appallingly. There are many different breeds classed as a Bully attack.

"The government say 'XL Bully type dog' - that isn't fair. Any Bully type dog has to be exempted. If it has a muscular body, a broad head and over 19 inches it is an XL Bully. A lot of dogs are falling under this type which aren't even XL Bully, which is so unfair."

On filling out the exemption forms, Laura said it was all "pretty straightforward" despite the need to go between DEFRA, the vet and an insurance provider.

Laura has built up muzzle training over the last few months and now says Dior associates it with going out with the same response to her lead.

She encourages other XL Bully owners who have yet to fill out the exemption papers to do it.

"The muzzle has not really changed their life, they can still go out, they can still be walked. You just need a bit of thick skin with the comments.

"I think I was one of the first to fill out the forms because I don't want my dog ripped away from me.

"I would suggest to anyone if you have an XL Bully or a Bully breed, just have it done and save a dog's life."

Dogs Trust has stated that XL Bullies still in their care will either be put down or kennelled for life.

A spokesperson from Dog Trust said: "It is now illegal for anyone, including rehoming charities like us, to rehome American XL Bully type dogs in England and Wales, regardless of their health or behavioural history. It is true that this puts Dogs Trust, along with our fellow animal welfare charities, in a difficult position.

"Doing the best for the dogs in our care is always our priority, and we have applied for exemptions where we have determined that a dog's welfare can be maintained in kennels long term. We must consider all options for those whose welfare would deteriorate if they spent the rest of their life in kennels, and unfortunately, that includes euthanasia."

Dogs Trust has information and guidance on its website for owners of American Bully XL dogs and the steps they must take to comply with the new rules.