A number of XL Bully dogs will be seized across the ABC Borough if their owners do not apply for an Exemption Certificate within the next two weeks before the 31 December 2024 deadline.
As part of new legislation to restrict the breed in Northern Ireland introduced on July 5, ABC council dog wardens will have the powers to seize XL Bully dogs from January 1, 2025, if the dog has not been exempted.
Currently a significant number of owners with licensed XL Bully dogs in the ABC Borough have already applied for exemption and those remaining owners are urged to take action now.
The application form must be submitted by 31 December 2024 and only takes a matter of minutes to complete. You can download the exemption form from ABC Council and find further information and guidance by visiting www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/xlbully
A council spokesperson said: “We are urging all owners to apply for the exemption certificate within the next two weeks ahead of the December 31 deadline. Time is running out and the last thing we want to do is to seize a family pet, so that is why we are calling on those owners to apply for the exemption to avoid this happening.”
Full details of the application process and the conditions for exemption can be found on the nidirect website – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/xl-bully-dogs
You can also contact the Dog Control section at ABC Borough Council if you would like guidance on completing your application or you have any queries by calling 0330 0561 011 or by email
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 you have made your application. Depending on the dog’s age, evidence of neutering can be submitted up until 30 June 2025.
The application for exemption must still be made, however, by 31 December 2024, regardless of the age or neutering status of the dog. Penalties for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5,000.
