New XL Bully Dog safeguards
If you own an XL Bully type dog, you should be aware that new rules have been introduced in Northern Ireland. These new legal safeguards came into effect for XL Bully type dogs on 5 July 2024.
The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Type) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 was made on 14 June 2024. It adds XL Bully type dogs to the current list of ‘dogs bred for fighting’. If you own an XL Bully type dog, you must:
- not use the dog for breeding
- not sell or exchange ownership of the dog, including giving it away
- not abandon the dog
- keep the dog muzzled and on a lead in public spaces, and do not permit it to stray
- keep your dog in a secure place.
The second stage of the legislation 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.
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. A ‘Conformation Standard’ setting out descriptions of height, head, teeth, neck, forequarters, body, hindquarters, feet, tail, and coat can be found on the Daera website – Conformation standard for XL Bully Type Dogs.
The penalties for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5,000.
For more information visit nidirect.
