XL bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public under strict new rules that have come into force today (December 31).
Breeding, selling or abandoning the dogs has also become illegal, with owners being urged to apply for a certificate of exemption for current pets before the January 31 deadline.
From February 1, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a certificate. READ MORE: Forecasters issue 26-hour tornado warning for parts of UK including Greater Manchester READ MORE: The Tameside tornado - what is a 'supercell thunderstorm' and how common are they in the UK?
The rapidly approaching ban has stoked fears among animal welfare groups that vets and rescue centres will become overwhelmed.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk