Pebbles, the American XL Bully, has found a forever home after a successful urgent appeal by the RSPCA Isle of Wight - days before a UK rehoming ban comes into effect.

Announcing the update on its Facebook page, the Island branch of the national animal welfare charity said Pebbles has been ‘reserved’ and is ‘pending going home’.

Isle of Wight RSPCA launched the appeal earlier this month to find Pebbles a home before the incoming ban on rehoming XL Bullies on December 31.

Pebbles, who is approximately two-and-a-half years old, came to the RSPCA from a case of neglect and abandonment.

Isle of Wight County Press: Pebbles the American XL Bully dogPebbles the American XL Bully dog (Image: IW RSPCA)

Staff at the Godshill-based centre immediately fell in love with her and wanted nothing more than to see her find a forever home.

On Christmas Eve, with the clock ticking, the charity posted an update announcing that despite receiving 'an abundance' of enquiries, all suitable applications had changed their minds.

Today (Friday, December 29), two days before the deadline, the RSPCA has confirmed the good news that, after receiving clearance to rehome Pebbles in the Hampshire to Molesey area, a home has been found.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight RSPCA said: “This wouldn’t have happened without all of your support with sharing, commenting, tagging, spreading the word and chatting with friends and family.

“Thank you for everyone’s unbelievable efforts!”

Following a rise in attacks and fatalities involving XL Bully dogs, the government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

To help current owners adapt to the new laws, these changes will come into force in two stages.

From December 31, it will be against the law to:

  • Sell an XL Bully dog
  • Abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
  • Give away an XL Bully dog
  • Breed from an XL Bully dog
  • Have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

From February 1, 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.