Start date of the upcoming new rules
The start date for the upcoming new rules will be announced in due course.
Upcoming new rules on owning XL Bully Dogs
If you own an XL Bully dog, you need to be aware that the rules will be changing.
When the new rules begin, owners of XL Bully Dogs will be required to appropriately record and account for their dog. Owners will be required to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead in public, and they will also be required to neuter their XL Bully dog. It will also be prohibited to breed, sell, abandon, or give away an XL Bully dog.
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, provision 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.
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.
How to prepare for the introduction of safeguards
Guidance will be published in due course to detail exactly what owners will be required to do to comply with the upcoming new safeguards.
In the meantime, owners of XL Bully type dogs are advised to plan accordingly if they wish to keep their dog, including muzzle training their XL Bully dog.
The need for safeguards on XL Bully Ownership in Northern Ireland
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. Therefore, the upcoming new safeguards will be 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.