Next steps for XL Bully Dog owners

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir is urging owners of XL Bully type dogs to take action as he announces the exemption scheme for owners will open on 9 August 2024.

From that date, all XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dog will have to apply and pay for an Exemption Certificate by 31 December 2024.

The announcement follows the implementation of legal safeguards which took effect from 5 July and now by law requires owners of XL Bully type dogs to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging, or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.

Minister Muir said: “I know the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and will take the necessary steps to comply with the new laws. I would encourage all XL Bully type dog owners to familiarise themselves with the conditions for exemption and take immediate action to start preparing to apply for an Exemption Certificate from 9 August and before the deadline of 31 December 2024.”

The application process for exemption certificates will open on 9 August 2024 and close on 31 December 2024. Conditions for exemption will include neutering and microchipping your XL Bully type dog and having third-party insurance. Full details of the application process and the conditions for exemption can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs

No owner will be forced to give their dog up, but they must be responsible and ensure they apply for an Exemption Certificate before the 31 December 2024. They must also comply with the strict conditions for exemption throughout the lifetime of the dog.

If the owner of an XL Bully type dog does not wish to keep their dog long term, they can have their dog put to sleep by a vet and claim compensation to help with these costs. More details are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs. However, if an owner chooses not to adhere to the measures, enforcement action will be taken.

Owners of XL Bully type dogs are advised to appropriately record and account for their dog. In Northern Ireland, all dogs must be licensed and microchipped at eight weeks old. It is an offence to own an unlicensed dog, unless the dog is exempted. More info is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/dog-licensing-and-microchipping#toc-1

Notes to editors: 

1. From 5 July 2024 XL Bully type dogs have been added to the list of restricted breeds.
2. The penalties for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5000.
3. The definition to be used for an XL Bully type dog will be the same as used by the UK Government. This can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/conformation-standard-xl-bully-type-dogs
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5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110

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