Following a series of dog attacks from XL Bully dogs across the United Kingdom and the introduction of the XL Bully bans in England, Wales and Scotland, the government in Northern Ireland have reported a rise in the number of XL Bully dogs there. Therefore, they have taken the decision to put legislation in place banning XL Bully type dogs, as has recently happened in England, Wales and Scotland.
This new law will be split into two stages to help XL Bully owners adapt. The first stage started on 5 July 2024 and the second starts on 31 December 2024.
The recent announcement regarding XL Bullies in Northern Ireland has understandably generated many questions from dog owners. Here, we answer some of the most common ones.
What is an XL Bully?
To identify XL Bully dogs in Northern Ireland, the same criteria used in England, Wales and Scotland will apply. Some of the characteristics mentioned include but are not limited to:
- A large dog with a muscular body and blocky head.
- Height of males from 20in (51cm) and height of females from 19in (48cm).
- Heavily muscled body with a broad, deep chest with well-sprung ribs.
For the full list of characteristics, read the UK Government's official guidance here. If you are unsure if your dog is an XL Bully, use the official guide to check.
What will the XL Bully ban mean for owners?
Stage 1: 5 July 2024
From this date, XL Bully type dogs have been added to the list of restricted breeds. Owners are not allowed to:
- Breed an XL Bully.
- Sell an XL Bully.
- Exchange an XL Bully.
- Gift an XL Bully.
- Abandon an XL Bully.
Owners will also need to ensure their dog is microchipped, and kept muzzled and on a lead in public places. They must also ensure that their dog is kept in secure conditions that will stop them from escaping.
Stage 2: 31 December 2024
On 31 December 2024, the second stage will come into effect. From this date, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an Exemption Certificate - which is a document that allows your XL Bully to legally reside with you, provided that you follow the rules. For more information on Exemption Certificates, read here
How can I apply for an Exemption Certificate?
The exemption scheme for owners will open on 9 August 2024 and close on 31 December 2024. All XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dog will have to apply and pay for an Exemption Certificate.
To do this, you must apply by contacting your local council so they can give you an application form. This form can be sent to your local council by post before 15 December 2024 or emailed by 31 December 2024.
It’s worth noting that you may not receive your Exemption Certificate by 1 January 2025. If a dog warden asks to see your certificate during this time, you can show them proof that you have applied.
To get an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully, you’ll need to:
- Be the registered owner and be 16 years old (or older).
- Have a valid licence* for your XL Bully.
- Pay an application fee of £92.40.
- Have your dog neutered by 30 June 2025 for those 18 months or older on 31 Dec 2024.
- Ensure your dog is microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old.
- Have third-party insurance for your dog.
The Exemption Certificate will be issued by your local council if they are satisfied with your application and the evidence provided. If you have any questions, contact your local council.
*All domestic dogs in Northern Ireland must have a valid licence and it will last for 12 months. You will have to renew it every year.
Neutering your XL Bully
Once your dog has been neutered, you must send a confirmation of neutering form to your local council to let them know. If your dog is already neutered, fill in the form straight away and send it to your local council.
The deadlines for neutering set out by the Government are:
- XL Bully dogs 18 months or older on 31 December 2024, must be neutered by 30 June 2025. Evidence must be given to your local council by this time.
- XL Bully dogs younger than 18 months on 31 December 2024, must be neutered by 30 June 2025, or one month after the dog reaches 18 months of age.
If you aren’t sure your XL Bully has been neutered, you should contact your vet. But you may have to pay a fee for this. For more information on neutering your XL Bully, read here.
Microchipping your XL Bully
You must make sure that your XL Bully is microchipped by eight weeks old to adhere to the dog licence and Exemption Certificate. If your dog is too young to be microchipped when you apply for the Exemption Certificate, you will have until 31 March 2025 to send the microchip number to your local council.
If your XL Bully cannot be microchipped for health reasons, you must get a certificate from your vet to confirm this and send it to your local council. For further information on this, read here.
Third-party insurance for your XL Bully
As per the terms of the Exemption Certificate, you must have third-party public liability insurance for your dog. You must have your dog cover begin no later than 1 January 2025.
The policy must be renewed annually for the life of your dog with proof given to your local council. You must make sure that the policy is in the same name as the person on the Exemption Certificate. For more information on this, read here.
What should I do if I am unable to adhere to the restrictions?
If you don’t abide by these rules, then the Government has been clear that they will consider that you will be breaking the law. You could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000. District councils will enforce these rules.
Euthanising your XL Bully
We understand that some owners may be considering the difficult decision of euthanasia for their XL Bully dogs. The Northern Irish Government is offering compensation, subject to conditions being met.
To claim compensation, you must arrange for euthanasia prior to 31 December 2024. Claims for compensation must be sent to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs by 28 February 2025. The claim form is available here.
Owners will be able to claim £100 in compensation in respect of the dog and £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog.
For more information on euthanising your XL Bully, read here.
How can I train my dog to wear a muzzle?
While XL Bullies are required to wear muzzles in public spaces, proper training is essential to ensure a positive experience for your dog. Training them with positive reinforcement will help your dog feel happier wearing the muzzle, promoting a sense of comfort and cooperation during walks.
For more help on muzzle training, watch our video below:
What happens to unowned XL Bully dogs?
From 5 July 2024, it is illegal to abandon an XL Bully dog. If you find a stray or abandoned dog of any breed, contact your local council.
Should I report XL Bully dogs?
If you see an XL Bully dog in public without a muzzle or a lead, and wish to report them then you can contact your local council. If you witness a dog acting dangerously, the breed doesn't matter. Report it to the police or local authority immediately.
If you're worried about cruelty or neglect of any pet, report it to the USPCA in Northern Ireland.
How do I stay safe around dogs?
While most dogs are friendly, approaching any dog cautiously and calmly is a good practice. Remember, even the best-natured pup can feel scared or stressed, so a quiet and respectful demeanour goes a long way.
It’s not often that dogs bite without warning and the signs can include:
- Growling.
- Snarling.
- Snapping.
- Baring teeth.
- Lunging.
Ask permission from the owner before petting, and keep your distance from strays. If you see a dog alone outdoors, contact your local council.
If you see a new dog, remain calm and avoid running or yelling as this can make them nervous. For more advice on dealing with a dog attack, read more here.
PDSA’s statement on the XL Bully ban
PDSA’s position on breed specific legislation is that it’s ineffective and has not resulted in a reduction of dog bites or human deaths.
To find out more about PDSA’s stance on banning dog breeds, read our official statement on the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).