Exemption rule for XL Bully owners

Exemption rule for XL Bully owners

18 December 2024

OWNERS of XL Bully dogs across the district are being reminded that it will be illegal to own the animal without an exemption certificate after December 31.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is asking owners to apply for the certificate as failure to have one could lead to their dog being seized and court action which could result in them losing their pet and a fine of up to £5,000.

For XL Bully dogs to be eligible for exemption, they must be microchipped, licensed and have third-party insurance. 

And whilst the dogs must also be neutered as part of the exemption conditions, this can be completed after their owner has made their application. Depending on the dog’s age, evidence of neutering can be submitted up until June 30 next year.

But the application for exemption must still be made by December 31, regardless of the age or neutering status of the dog.

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 to reduce the potential for an attack by an XL Bully type dog on a member of the public, livestock, or any other animal.

In Northern Ireland, the definition used for an XL Bully type dog will be the same as the one 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 deions 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, say council officials.

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.

Application forms for exemption certificates, which cost £92.40, will be issued by the council if it is satisfied with the application and evidence provided and are available at www.newrymournedown.or/dog-licensing, while advice for XL Bully owners is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs

Those who apply for an exemption certificate shortly before the closing date may not receive it by January 1.

Council officials say of this happens and owners are asked by a dog warden asks to their certificate, they can show them proof that they have applied.

All dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, must have a valid licence which is valid for 12 months.

People who keep dogs without a licence can be issued with an £80 fine, while dogs must be microchipped before a licence can be issued.

Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, said time is running out to apply for an exemption certificate and the risks of not doing so are serious.

“Your  dog could be seized and you could be taken to court. Owners without a certificate risk losing their pet,” he said.

“I want to emphasise to all XL Bully owners that they must take action now and ensure their dog gets exempted before December 31. Although neutering your XL Bully is a condition of exemption, there is still time to neuter your dog after December 31 so the important thing is to submit your application in time,” he added.