XL Bully Dog Ban Q&A

Following the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announcement on the restrictions to be placed on American XL Bully type dogs, they have now been added to a list of dogs which are banned in Northern Ireland.

We know this ban will upset many dog owners, and as an animal welfare charity that strives to protect all animals, we are also saddened by the developments.

We have long opposed to this ban, which we do not believe is effective in protecting the public. However, as a responsible charity we must comply with the law.

What restrictions will be in place if I own an XL Bully?

XL Bully dogs are now banned in Northern Ireland under the Dangerous Dogs Order 1991, There will be two different stages to help owners comply with the law.

Stage One

From the 5th July 2024, there will be several conditions applied to the ownership of an XL Bully in Northern Ireland.

American XL Bully type dogs will be added to the list of restricted breeds and owners will not be allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog. Owners will need to keep their dog muzzled, on a lead when in public places and they dog must be kept in safe, secure conditions. Your dog must be microchipped and licenced by the time it is 8 weeks old (which is a legal requirement for all dog owners).

Stage Two

It will be necessary for XL Bully owners to apply for an exemption certificate which must be in place by 1st January 2025.

DAERA have not yet released further details however we know that it will largely mirror the exemption process across GB.

You will need third-party liability insurance, which is insurance to help with legal costs in the event your dog injures other animals, people or property. It is important that this is not confused with Pet Insurance. You can attain third-party liability insurance by joining the Dogs Trust Companion Club.

Your dog will have to be neutered most likely by the time it is 18 months old. We would advise early conversations with your Vet about the right time to neuter your dog.

When should I contact my Vet?

You should talk to your Vet about arranging to have your dog neutered as soon as possible. It is essential you act now as there may be a back log for neutering due to high demand for veterinary treatment.

What are the consequences if I do not get a Certificate of Exemption or do not meet the conditions of ownership?

If you do not comply with the law, you could be committing a criminal offence. This means you may face a fine up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison. Your dog could also be seized.

How do I know if I have an XL Bully dog?

Owners are being asked to identify whether their dogs are XL Bully dogs.

In Northern Ireland, the definition used for an XL Bully type dog is the same as that set out by the UK Government. It is known as a physical conformation standard.

The physical conformation standard for XL Bully type dogs is available on the GOV.UK website. Here you will see guidance which lists descriptions of height, head, teeth, forequarters, body, hindquarters, feet, tail and coat. The height of your dog is a necessary requirement in determining if your dog is an XL Bully, so check this first.

The minimum height requirement for an adult male is from 20in (51cm) and for an adult female from 19in (48cm). Measure from the ground to the tops of the shoulders of your dog. 

If the minimum height requirement is not met then your dog is not considered an XL Bully and no further assessment is needed.

A suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the specifications exactly. If your dog meets the height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the government's definition, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.

If you are concerned your dog might fall into these specifications, governments in other parts of the UK are recommending taking a precautionary approach and applying for exemption.

My dog has never worn a muzzle, how can I prepare them?

If you are concerned your dog might fall into these specifications, governments in other parts of the UK are recommending taking a precautionary approach and applying for exemption. Dogs Trust offer some very useful advice around muzzle training which can be found here.

It is important to know that dogs can become familiar with wearing a muzzle in the same way they become familiar with their lead or harness.

What's going to happen to all the dogs in the care of the USPCA?

There are no XL Bully type dogs in the care of the USPCA.

From the 5th July 2024, all rehoming organisations in Northern Ireland are not permitted to accept XL Bully type dogs nor will they be able to rehome any XL Bully type dogs.

What is the USPCA doing about this ban?

As a member of the Dog Control Coalition, we have always compaigned against this ban, calling on a different approach for NI.

We have participated in several media reports and liaised with DAERA to encourage an alternative approach that accounts for public safety and good dog welfare.

As a responsible animal charity, we must comply with the NI Executive's decision. However, we stand firm in our opposition to this ban as we believe the current approach is not working and we know it will take a heavy toll on XL Bully owners as well as devastating outcomes for so many dogs in NI.

We will continue to call on our government to commit to adopting a considered approach that addresses the root causes and reasons behind dog bite incidents. More advice and information on the ban can be found via the NI Direct website: XL Bully Dogs | NIDirect