XL Bully dogs
New legal safeguards come 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 and take steps to prepare in advance of the restrictions coming into effect.
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 will come into operation on 5 July 2024 and will add 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. Further details on how to apply for an Exemption Certificate will be published in the coming weeks.
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:
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.
Applying for an Exemption Certificate
Information on the application process for an Exemption Certificate will be added here in the next few weeks. Conditions for exemption will include neutering and microchipping your XL Bully type dog and having third-party insurance.
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.
The physical conformation standard for XL Bully type dogs is available on the GOV.UK website. 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. Guidance documents will be published in due course to help with this.
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. Guidance will be published to help owners understand whether a dog should be defined as an XL Bully type dog and will also give information on puppies.
Penalties for those 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.
Compensation for owners who do not wish to keep their XL Bully type dog
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 and compensation will be offered, subject to conditions being met.
Guidance will be published on this issue, in the time ahead.
Stray and abandoned XL Bully type dogs
It is illegal to let your XL Bully type dog stray. From 5 July 2024, it will be 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.
Re-homing organisations
From the 5 July 2024 it will be illegal to re-home, sell or transfer ownership of XL Bully type dogs. Re-homing organisations should not accept any XL Bully type dogs into their care after 5 July 2024 and cannot re-home any XL Bully dogs beyond that date.
They will be able to apply for Exemption Certificates for any XL Bully type dogs they took into their possession prior to 5 July 2024, and will have to adhere to the exemption conditions. Re-homing organisations can claim towards the cost of euthanasia for dogs that were euthanised in their care. Guidance and deadline for claiming compensation for euthanasia of an XL Bully type dog will be issued in due course.
Vets
Vets will not be expected to report XL Bully type dogs and their owners to district councils.