By Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas A crucial deadline for XL bully owners to keep their dogs legally has now passed. Owners of the dogs were told they had until midday today (Wednesday Jan 31) to apply for certificates of exemption if they wish to keep their pets before a ban on the breed comes into force. From February 1, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without a certificate. Applications had to be submitted by 12pm on Wednesday. Anyone with questions about the process has been urged to contact the Defra Companion Animal Welfare Team. It follows restrictions which…