Advice for owners of XL Bully dogs
It is now illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate.
The need for controls on XL Bully ownership
Following the introduction of restrictions on owning XL Bully dogs in other parts of the UK, there was a significant increase in the number of XL Bully type dogs in Northern Ireland.
Safeguards were introduced in Northern Ireland to reduce the risk of an attack by an XL Bully type dog on a member of the public, livestock or another animal. This means it is an offence to:
- breed or breed from an XL Bully
- sell or exchange an XL Bully
- abandon an XL Bully or let it stray
- have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
XL Bully Exemption Scheme
From 1 January 2025, it is also an offence to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate.
If the owner of an XL Bully dog does not have an Exemption Certificate, ABC Borough Council will seize their XL Bully dog and the owner could face court action.
XL Bully owners wanting to obtain an Exemption Certification must have made an application by 31 December 2024, as the scheme has now closed.
If you have not yet received your Exemption Certificate and you are asked for proof of exemption by a dog warden, you can simply advise of your name and address, and they will be able to confirm the status of your application.
After you apply for an Exemption Certificate
Once you have an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully, you must follow these rules for the life of the dog:
- keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder – you can temporarily keep it at a different address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
- tell your local council if you permanently change address – you do not need to tell if you temporarily keep the dog at another address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
- tell your local council if the dog dies or is exported
- have third party public liability insurance for your dog – you can change insurance, but there can be no gap in cover and you must give proof of insurance to your local council annually
- keep the dog muzzled in public places – it’s best to use a muzzle that lets the dog pant, breathe and drink easily
- keep the dog on a lead in public places – someone over 16 years old must securely hold the lead
- keep the dog in secure conditions so it cannot escape
If the local council asks, you must also give:
- access to the dog to read its microchip
- proof of suitable third-party liability insurance within five days of their request
- a copy of Exemption Certificate within five days of their request
If you do not follow these rules, your Exemption Certificate will not be valid, and your dog could be seized.
Replacement certificates
Your local council will only issue a new certificate if you:
- lose your existing certificate
- provide evidence that your name or address has changed
Penalties for those breaching the legislation
Local councils are responsible for dog control enforcement. The maximum penalty for breaching this legislation is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000 for owning an XL Bully dog without an Exemption Certificate.
Getting your XL Bully dog licensed
All XL Bully type dogs must be licensed for the Exemption Certificate to remain valid.
A dog licence lasts for 12 months and application forms for renewal of a dog licence, are available from council offices or on the ABC Council website – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/buy-a-dog-licence/
A dog licence cannot be issued by local councils for an XL Bully dog without a valid Exemption Certificate. The licence fee for a banned dog such as an XL Bully dog is £12.50. Concessionary rates do not apply.
Neutering an XL Bully dog
For your Exemption Certificate to remain valid, you must arrange to have your XL Bully dog neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed.
You must use the confirmation of neutering form to let your council know your dog has been neutered. You can find the forms on the council website here.
For dogs 18 months or older on 31 December 2024, evidence of neutering having occurred must be given to the relevant local council by 30 June 2025.
For dogs younger than 18 months on 31 December 2024, evidence of neutering must be given to ABC Borough council by 30 June 2025, or one month after the dog reaches 18 months of age, whichever is later.
If you are unsure whether your dog has been neutered, you should seek advice from your vet. You may have to pay a fee for this.
Compensation for owners who do not wish to keep their XL Bully type dog
Claims for compensation must be sent to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for processing by 28 February 2025 using the compensation claim form (external link opens in a new window / tab)for XL Bully owners.
For XL Bully dog owners £100 compensation is payable in respect of the dog and £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog. Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising.
For compensation to be payable, owners must make arrangements before 31 December 2024 for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised. However, euthanasia does not need to have occurred by 31 December 2024.
For claims where the appointment is carried out after 31 December 2024, proof of when the appointment was made will also be needed, such as a confirmation email.
If an owner of an XL Bully dog does not choose to adhere to new measures and no longer wishes to keep their dog, arrangements will be made to surrender that dog.
Rehoming organisations
It is illegal to rehome, sell or transfer ownership of XL Bully type dogs. Rehoming organisations should not rehome XL Bully type dogs.
Getting an Exemption Certificate for the dog does not mean the dog can be rehomed.
Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the cost of euthanasia for XL Bully type dogs that were euthanised in their care. For compensation to be payable, rehoming organisations must make arrangements before 31 December 2024 for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised. However, euthanasia does not need to have occurred by 31 December 2024.
For compensation claims where the appointment is carried out after 31 December 2024, proof of when the appointment was made will also be needed, such as a confirmation email.
Claims for compensation must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for processing by 28 February 2025 using the compensation claim form for rehoming organisations. The necessary evidence must also be given.
Definition of an XL Bully Dog
In Northern Ireland, the definition used for an XL Bully type dog is 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. This detailed guidance sets out descriptions 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.
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.
Stray and abandoned XL Bully type dogs
It is illegal to abandon your XL Bully type dog, or let it stray.
If you find a stray or abandoned dog of any breed, you should contact ABC Borough council.
More useful links