New Dog Law - Northern Ireland

New legal safeguards come into effect for XL Bully type dogs in Northern Ireland from 5 July 2024. If you own an XL Bully type dog you  take steps to prepare in advance of the restrictions coming into effect.

The new rules will be introduced in two stages. The first set of legal safeguards will come into operation on 5 July 2024 and will add XL Bully type dogs to the list of restricted breeds. From this date owners will not be allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog and they will need to keep their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public places. The dog must be kept in secure conditions that will stop it from escaping.

The second stage will come into effect on 31 December 2024. Beyond that date it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate. Further details on how to apply for an Exemption Certificate will be published in the coming weeks.

Full details online here - XL Bully dogs | nidirect

From 1 January 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog in Northern Ireland without an Exemption Certificate.

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.

Scotland - Government XL Bully Reminder

 Deadline approaches for applications.

Scotland:

XL Bully dog owners are being reminded to apply for an exemption certificate before the deadline on 31 July 2024 so they can continue to legally own their dogs.

From 1 August 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or not to have applied for one by that date.

What you need to apply for an exemption - XL Bully dogs in Scotland - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

To get an exemption certificate, owners can apply online or by post for a £92.40 fee, while they must also obtain third party insurance and neuter and microchip their dogs. The deadline for online applications is midnight 31 July. Postal applications must be received by 15 July.

Since 1 April, when the exemption application process to own an XL Bully dog opened, 761 dogs have been registered online with 7 postal applications also received.

In line with the initial safeguards introduced on 23 February, XL Bully dogs must continue to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.