Exemption Certificates need to keep XL Bully breed type dogs

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Health and Community committee haS unanimously accepted a recommendation to support the safeguarding measures for XL Bully breed type dogs in the North.

The measures were introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), to “reduce the potential for an attack by an XL Bully type dog on a member of the public, livestock, or any other animal”.

Councillors heard that since restrictions on owning XL Bully dogs were introduced in Britain, there has been a “significant increase” in the number of XL Bully type dogs in the North. 

The new rules were introduced in two stages. The first set of legal safeguards came into operation on July 5, 2024 and added XL Bully type dogs to the list of restricted breeds in The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024. 

From this date owners were not allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog. They were also required to keep their dog muzzled and, on a lead, when in public places. In addition, an XL Bully type dog must be kept in secure conditions that will stop it from escaping. 

The second stage will come into effect on December 31, 2024. Beyond that date it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate.

Owners have been provided with the opportunity to apply for and pay a fee of £92.40 to Derry City and Strabane District Council for an exemption certificate. The application process will close on December 31, 2024. 

There will be strict conditions for  exemption, including neutering and microchipping the XL Bully type dog(s) and having third-party insurance. In addition, obtaining an exemption certificate for a dog does not mean the dog can be rehomed. 

There are currently 19 XL Bully type dogs licensed in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area and 6 exemption certificates have been issued to date. 

Owners or rehoming organisations who no longer wish to keep their XL Bully dog can arrange for the dog to be euthanised and can apply to DAERA for compensation. 

For compensation to be payable, owners must arrange for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised before December 31, 2024 and claims must be sent to DAERA for processing by February 28, 2025 - £100 compensation is payable for the dog and £100 compensation is payable towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog. 

Rehoming organisations can claim £100 compensation towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog. 

From January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without an Exemption Certificate under The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024. 

If an owner chooses not to adhere to the measures, enforcement action will be taken in accordance with DEARA guidance and Council’s Enforcement Policy. 

The maximum penalty for breaching this legislation is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.