XL Bully Ban: ‘The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024’ was made on the 19 July 2024 and will come into operation on 9 August 2024.
‘The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024’ came into operation on 5 July 2024 and it requires all owners of XL Bully type dogs; to not breed from it; to not sell or exchange ownership of the dog, including giving it away; do not abandon the dog; keep the dog muzzled and on a lead in public and do not permit it to stray.
Owners are required to keep their dog in a secure place. The purpose of ‘The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024’ is to provide for compensation to be paid to XL Bully dog owners who do not wish to keep their dogs; an exemption scheme for those owners who do wish to keep their dogs long term and certain other matters relevant to the operation of these schemes.
Keepers of XL Bully type dogs may apply to their local council for an exemption from the prohibition from 9 August 2024, when the SR takes effect, if they wish to legally keep their dogs beyond 31 December 2024.
Conditions for exemption include; keeping the dog at the same address at all times (except for 30 days a year to allow for holidays etc.), to notify the relevant council of any permanent change of address, ensure requirements for insurance, neutering and microchipping are all met, that the dog is on a lead and muzzled in a public place and that the dog is kept in secure conditions.
Councils will be responsible for administering the exemption scheme and enforcing the legislation. Owners should ensure that their dog is licensed before applying for an Exemption Certificate.
DAERA will administer compensation claims. Owners who do not wish to keep their XL Bully type dogs’ long term must arrange for it to be euthanised by a vet before the 31 December 2024 and submit claim for compensation to the Department by 28 February 2025.
Owners can claim £200; £100 towards veterinary fees and £100 towards the cost of the dog. Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the cost of euthanising the dog. Additional details can be found at XL Bully dogs | nidirect and the relevant forms will be on website when schemes open on 9 August 2024.
Further details and guidance are available at XL Bully dogs XL Bully dogs | nidirect
