Compensation scheme for XL Bully Owners

The first stage of legal safeguards for XL Bully type dogs came in to force on 5 July 2024. Owners must 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. Details on the XL Bully safeguards can be found on the NI Direct website.

From 31 December 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an exemption certificate. Owners can apply to their local council for an exemption certificate from 9 August 2024 and must adhere to the exemption conditions. Further details on the exemption scheme and how to apply can be found on the NI Direct website.

Owners or rehoming organisations who no longer wish to keep their XL Bully dog can arrange for the dog do be euthanised and can apply to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for compensation.

The compensation scheme for XL Bully owners and rehoming organisations opens on 9 August 2024. Claims for compensation must be sent to DAERA for processing by 28 February 2025 using the compensation claim forms below.  

For compensation to be payable, owners or rehoming organisations must arrange for the XL Bully dog to be euthanised prior to 31 December 2024.

For XL Bully dog owners £100 compensation is payable for the dog and £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog. Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising.