Time is running out for XL Bully dogs to be exempted
Date published:
XL Bully owners have less than two weeks to apply for an Exemption Certificate to avoid their dog being seized and facing court action.
The deadline to apply to their local council online is midnight on 31 December 2024.
For XL Bully dogs to be eligible for exemption they must be microchipped, licenced and have third-party insurance. Whilst XL Bully dogs must also be neutered as part of the exemption conditions, this can be completed after owners have made an application. The application for exemption must be made by 31 December 2024, regardless of the age or neutering status of the dog.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: “Time is running out to apply for an Exemption Certificate, there are less than two weeks left until the scheme closes on 31 December 2024. Over half of licensed XL Bully dog owners in Northern Ireland have already applied for exemption, with more applications coming in daily and I strongly urge those remaining owners to take action now. From 1 January 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an Exemption Certificate and owners risk losing their pet and facing court action.”
Full details of the compensation and exemption schemes, including details on how owners can apply for compensation if they no longer wish to keep their animal, can be found on the nidirect website.
Please contact the Dog Control section at your local council if you would like guidance on completing your application for exemption or you have any queries.
Notes to editors:
- XL Bully type dogs have been added to the list of restricted breeds on 5 July 2024.
- The Exemption scheme opened on 9 August 2024 and will close on 31 December 2024.
- The penalties for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5000.
- The definition to be used for an XL Bully type dog will be the same as used by the UK Government. This can be found at: Conformation standard for XL Bully Type Dogs | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk).
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110
Further information can be found on the nidirect website.