The dilemma surrounding the euthanasia or rehoming of a suspected banned-breed puppy

Legislative amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 implemented in February 2024 introduced restrictions on owning and rehoming XL Bully-type dogs. Consequent pressures on practice include rising requests to euthanase healthy animals and uncertainty around type assessment, particularly in puppies, with limited support for Dog Legislation Officers. This article examines the Registered Veterinary Nurse's responsibilities to animals, clients and the profession when asked to assist with euthanasia of a dog that may later meet the XL Bully-type definition. Legal context, moral considerations and professional accountability are explored with reference to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses, alongside practical guidance for decision-making, documentation and communication. The analysis is presented in a fictitious practice scenario reflecting issues reported across UK practice over the preceding 12 months and set in England and Wales, where the Dangerous Dogs Act primarily applies; parallel frameworks in Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 , are noted but fall outside scope.