XL Bully dogs
New legal safeguards came into effect for XL Bully type dogs in Northern Ireland from 5 July 2024. If you own an XL Bully type dog you are advised to read the guidance below.
The need for safeguards on XL Bully ownership
Since restrictions came into effect on owning XL Bully dogs in other parts of the UK, there has been a significant increase in the number of XL Bully type dogs in Northern Ireland.
New safeguards are being introduced in Northern Ireland to reduce the potential for an attack by an XL Bully type dog on a member of the public, livestock, or any other animal.
Licensing an XL Bully dog
All dogs in Northern Ireland must be licensed and microchipped at eight weeks old. It is an offence to own an unlicensed dog, unless the dog is exempted.
A dog licence lasts for 12 months and application forms for a dog licence, or for the renewal of a dog licence, are available from council offices or on the website of your local council.
Start date of new rules on owning XL Bully dogs
The new rules will be introduced in two stages. The first set of legal safeguards came into operation on 5 July 2024 and added XL Bully type dogs to the list of restricted breeds.
From this date owners will not be allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog and they will need to keep their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public places. The dog must be kept in secure conditions that will stop it from escaping.
The second stage will come into effect on 31 December 2024. Beyond that date it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate.
How to prepare for the introduction of safeguards
Owners of XL Bully type dogs are advised to plan if they wish to keep their dog, including neutering and muzzle training.
There are a number of organisations that offer muzzle training advice both online and in person. These include:
Applying for an Exemption Certificate
The application process for XL Bully dog exemptions is now open and will close on 31 December 2024.
Applicants must apply through their local council by downloading an application form which can be posted to their local council before 15 December 2024 or emailed by 31 December 2024.
To get an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully dog, you must:
- be the registered owner
- have a valid licence for your dog
- be 16 years old or older
- keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder (you can keep the dog at a different address for a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period)
- get your dog microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old
- have your dog neutered by the time it is 18 months old
- get third party public liability insurance for your dog
- pay the application fee of £92.40
Exemption Certificates will be issued by the relevant council if it is satisfied with the application and evidence provided, and if the fee of £92.40 has been paid before the deadline.
Payments can be made either by cheque or over the phone by debit or credit card. Applications will be processed as soon as possible; however, allow up to 21 days for your Exemption Certificate to be issued.
If you apply shortly before the closing date, you may not receive your Exemption Certificate by 1 January 2025. If this happens and a dog warden asks to see your certificate you can show them proof that you have applied.
Contact your local council with any queries about your application or if you need help.
Getting your dog microchipped and licensed
All XL Bully type dogs must be microchipped and licensed. Applications for exemption will not be accepted without a current dog licence.
If your XL Bully dog is too young to be microchipped when you apply for an exemption, you will have until 31 March 2025 to send the microchip number to your local council.
If your XL Bully dog cannot be microchipped for health reasons, an exemption can be made however you must get a certificate from your vet to confirm this.
You can find more information on microchipping your dog at:
Third party public liability insurance
You must have third party public liability insurance for your dog. The cover must begin no later than 1 January 2025. You may wish to consider signing up for The Dogs Trust Companion Club which includes insurance for XL Bully type dogs.
The policy must:
- be renewed annually for the life of the dog and proof given to your local council
- be in the same name as the person named on the Exemption Certificate
If you use a different insurance provider, you must check that the policy:
- covers the policyholder for death or bodily injury to any person caused by the exempted dog
- is suitable for a prohibited breed as defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Neutering an XL Bully dog
For your Exemption Certificate to stay valid, you must arrange to have your XL Bully dog neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed.
You must use the confirmation of neutering form to let your council know your dog has been neutered. You can find the forms on your local council website.
For dogs 18 months or older on 31 December 2024, evidence of neutering having occurred must be given to the relevant local council by 30 June 2025.
For dogs younger than 18 months on 31 December 2024, evidence of neutering must be given to the relevant local council by 30 June 2025, or one month after the dog reaches 18 months of age, whichever is later.
If your dog is already neutered, you can fill in the form straight away and send it to your local council.
If you are unsure whether your dog has been neutered, you should seek advice from your vet. You may have to pay a fee for this.
Compensation for owners who do not wish to keep their XL Bully type dog
For compensation to be payable, owners must arrange for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised before 31 December 2024.
The application process for the compensation scheme is now open. Claims for compensation must be sent to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for processing by 28 February 2025 using the compensation claim form for XL Bully owners.
For XL Bully dog owners £100 compensation is payable regarding the dog and £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog. Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising.
For compensation to be payable, owners must make arrangements before 31 December 2024 for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised. However, euthanasia does not need to have occurred by 31 December 2024.
For claims where the appointment is carried out after 31 December 2024, proof of when the appointment was made will also be needed, such as a confirmation email.
If an owner of an XL Bully dog does not choose to adhere to new measures and no longer wishes to keep their dog, arrangements will be made to surrender that dog.
Rehoming organisations
It is illegal to rehome, sell or transfer ownership of XL Bully type dogs. Rehoming organisations should not rehome XL Bully type dogs.
Getting an Exemption Certificate for the dog does not mean the dog can be rehomed.
Rehoming organisations can apply for Exemption Certificates for any XL Bully type dogs they took into their possession before 5 July 2024.
Applicants must apply through their local council by downloading an application form which can be posted to their local council before 15 December 2024 or emailed by 31 December 2024.
Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the cost of euthanasia for XL Bully type dogs that were euthanised in their care. For compensation to be payable, rehoming organisations must arrange for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised before the 31 December 2024.
Claims for compensation must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for processing by 28 February 2025 using the compensation claim form for rehoming organisations. The necessary evidence must also be given.
After you apply for an exemption
If you have an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully, you must follow these rules for the life of the dog:
- keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder – you can temporarily keep it at a different address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
- tell your local council if you permanently change address – you do not need to tell if you temporarily keep the dog at another address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
- tell your local council if the dog dies or is exported
- have third party public liability insurance for your dog – you can change insurance, but there can be no gap in cover and you must give proof of insurance to your local council annually
- keep the dog muzzled in public places – it's best to use a muzzle that lets the dog pant, breathe and drink easily
- keep the dog on a lead in public places – someone over 16 years old must securely hold the lead
- keep the dog in secure conditions so it cannot escape
If the local council asks, you must also give:
- access to the dog to read its microchip
- proof of suitable third party liability insurance within five days of their request
- the Exemption Certificate within five days of their request
If you do not follow these rules, your Exemption Certificate will not be valid, and your dog could be seized.
Replacement certificates
Your local council will only issue a new certificate if you:
- lose your existing certificate
- provide evidence that your name or address has changed
Owning an XL Bully dog without an Exemption Certificate
From 1 January 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without an Exemption Certificate.
However, if the owner of an XL Bully dog does not choose to adhere to these measures and no longer wishes to keep their dog, arrangements will be made to surrender that dog.
Definition of an XL Bully Dog
In Northern Ireland, the definition used for an XL Bully type dog will be the same as the one that the UK Government set out for England and Wales, and which is also used in Scotland.
It is known as a physical conformation standard. This detailed guidance sets out descriptions of height, head, teeth, neck, forequarters, body, hindquarters, feet, tail, and coat.
The XL Bully is not officially recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club UK and due to the lack of recognition of the breed, there is no guarantee that the dogs are bred responsibly.
Potential inbreeding may exaggerate behaviours such as aggression, and the strength and size of these dogs means any attacks or bites are more likely to be serious.
Identification of XL Bully Dog
It will be the responsibility of the owner to decide whether their dog meets the definition of an XL Bully type as set out in the Conformation Standard.
Determining if a puppy is a XL Bully type
A transition period will allow current owners time to consider whether they think their dog may be an XL Bully type dog, and whether they wish to apply to keep their dog.
Penalties for breaching the legislation
District councils will be responsible for enforcement. The maximum penalty for breaching this legislation is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Stray and abandoned XL Bully type dogs
It is illegal to let your XL Bully type dog stray.
From 5 July 2024, it is against the law to abandon an XL Bully type dog.
If you find a stray or abandoned dog of any breed, you should contact your local council.
Vets
Vets will not be expected to report XL Bully type dogs and their owners to district councils.