XL Bully owners urged to obtain their Exemption Certificate immediately

After midnight on 31 December 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an Exemption Certificate. Owners of XL Bully dogs who have not applied for an Exemption Certificate risk their pet being seized, and they could face court action. The online application through your local council takes minutes.

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. The application for exemption must be made by 31 December 2024, regardless of the age or neutering status of the dog.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “There are only two days left until the exemption scheme closes and a significant number of the licensed population of XL Bully dogs in Northern Ireland are still to be exempted.

“Owners should know that come January, their dog is at risk of being seized and they may face court action. No one wants to lose their dog, that is why we have made the application process as simple as possible. I am urging anyone with an XL Bully to obtain their application immediately before time runs out.”

Full details of the application process and the conditions for exemption can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs. Please contact the Dog Control section at your local council if you would like guidance on completing your application or you have any queries.