Menu
05/07/2024
XL Bully Dog Legal Safeguards Come Into Force
New legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully dogs come into force across Northern Ireland today, Friday 05 July.
Whilst it remains legal to own an XL Bully type dog, from today, owners must ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.
Speaking as the new laws come into force, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "When I made the announcement of my intention to introduce safeguarding measures for XL Bully type dogs in March 2024, I stated that the public safety of the people of Northern Ireland is my utmost concern and that remains true.
"The restrictions being introduced are designed to protect the public. From today, owners of XL Bully Dogs are not allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon their dog. Owners are also required to have their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public. The dog must also be kept in a secure place.
"These new safeguarding measures are there for the safety and protection of the public, livestock and other animals."
This is the first set of legal safeguards, with the second stage coming into effect on 31 December 2024 which will make it an offence to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate or having applied for an Exemption Certificate. More details will be released by the Department soon.
District councils are responsible for the enforcement of the new safeguarding measures. Anyone found to be in breach of the legislation could face up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5000.
Whilst it remains legal to own an XL Bully type dog, from today, owners must ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.
Speaking as the new laws come into force, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "When I made the announcement of my intention to introduce safeguarding measures for XL Bully type dogs in March 2024, I stated that the public safety of the people of Northern Ireland is my utmost concern and that remains true.
"The restrictions being introduced are designed to protect the public. From today, owners of XL Bully Dogs are not allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon their dog. Owners are also required to have their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public. The dog must also be kept in a secure place.
"These new safeguarding measures are there for the safety and protection of the public, livestock and other animals."
This is the first set of legal safeguards, with the second stage coming into effect on 31 December 2024 which will make it an offence to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate or having applied for an Exemption Certificate. More details will be released by the Department soon.
District councils are responsible for the enforcement of the new safeguarding measures. Anyone found to be in breach of the legislation could face up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5000.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 June 2024
New XL Bully Dog Safeguards To Be Introduced In NI
The Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that new legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully type dogs will come into force on 05 July, 2024.
New XL Bully Dog Safeguards To Be Introduced In NI
The Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that new legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully type dogs will come into force on 05 July, 2024.
06 March 2024
New XL Bully Safety Measures To Be Introduced
New safety measures for XL Bully breed type dogs is to be introduced in Northern Ireland, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced.
New XL Bully Safety Measures To Be Introduced
New safety measures for XL Bully breed type dogs is to be introduced in Northern Ireland, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced.
23 July 2024
DAERA Announces Next Steps For XL Bully Owners
The owners of XL Bully type dogs have been reminded that the exemption scheme will open on 09 August, 2024. From that date, all XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dog will have to apply and pay for an Exemption Certificate by 31 December 2024.
DAERA Announces Next Steps For XL Bully Owners
The owners of XL Bully type dogs have been reminded that the exemption scheme will open on 09 August, 2024. From that date, all XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dog will have to apply and pay for an Exemption Certificate by 31 December 2024.
03 August 2009
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
19 December 2024
Deadline Looms for XL Bully Owners To Apply for Exemption
Owners of XL Bully dogs have less than two weeks to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid their pets being seized and facing potential legal action. The deadline for submitting online applications to local councils is midnight on December 31, 2024. To be eligible for exemption, XL Bully dogs must be microchipped, licensed, and insured.
Deadline Looms for XL Bully Owners To Apply for Exemption
Owners of XL Bully dogs have less than two weeks to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid their pets being seized and facing potential legal action. The deadline for submitting online applications to local councils is midnight on December 31, 2024. To be eligible for exemption, XL Bully dogs must be microchipped, licensed, and insured.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
