XL Bully Dogs
New legal safeguards came into effect for XL Bully type dogs in Northern Ireland on 5 July 2024.
From this date, owners are not allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must keep their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public places. If you own an XL Bully, you are advised to read through the current guidance available on the link below.
For more information please view the government guidance on this link
While it is currently still legal to own an XL Bully in Northern Ireland, this will change on 31 December 24, when beyond that date it will become an offence to own an XL Bully in the absence of an Exemption Certificate.
Next steps for XL Bully dog owners
Making an application for an XL Bully Exemption Certificate
The application process for XL Bully exemptions is now open and closes on 31 December 2024. Owners of XL Bully dogs can apply by downloading an application form using this link.
Once completed, this form should be returned either by email to ehealth@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
or by post to:
Environmental Health Service Unit
Civic Headquarters
Lagan Valley Island
Lisburn
BT27 4RL
To apply for an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully dog you must:
- be the registered owner
- have a valid dog licence
- be 16 years or older
- keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder (you can keep the dog at a different address for a maximum of 30 days in any 12 month period)
- get your dog microchipped by the time it is 8 weeks old
- have your dog neutered by the time it is 18 months old
- get third party public liability insurance for your dog
- pay the application fee of £92.40
Please note that Exemption Certificates will only be issued once we are satisfied with the application and evidence provided, and if the fee of £92.40 has been paid before the deadline.
After you apply for an exemption
If 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
- the 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.
Further information
You can find out more about microchipping, licencing, third party liability insurance, neutering and DAERA’s compensation scheme for XL Bully dogs is available on nidirect using this link.
Please note that the compensation scheme is provided independently of the council's exemption scheme, and any claims for compensation must be sent directly to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for processing by 28 February 2025 using the prescribed compensation claim form for XL Bully owners.