Apply for XL Bully Exemption Certificate

XL Bully Exemption Certificate application process

New legal safeguards came into effect for XL Bully type dogs in Northern Ireland on 5 July 2024. From this date, owners are not allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must keep their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public places. If you own an XL Bully, you should read through the current guidance available on nidirect (link opens in new window).

While it is currently still legal to own an XL Bully in Northern Ireland, this will change on 31 December 2024, when it will become an offence to own an XL Bully in the absence of an Exemption Certificate.

The application process for XL Bully Exemption Certificates is now open and closes on 31 December 2024.

To apply for an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully dog you must:

• be the registered owner;
• have a valid dog licence;
• be 16 years or older;
• keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder (you can keep the dog at a different address for a maximum of 30 days in any 12-month period);
• get your dog microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old;
• have your dog neutered by the time it is 18 months old;
• get third-party public liability insurance for your dog; and
• pay the application fee of £92.40.

Please note that we will only issue Exemption Certificates once we are satisfied with the application and evidence provided, and if the fee of £92.40 has been paid before the deadline.

Getting your dog microchipped and licensed

All XL Bully type dogs must be microchipped and licensed and we will not accept applications for an Exemption Certificate in the absence of a current dog licence.

Apply For or Renew your Dog Licence

You can also renew your dog licence in person at:

Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP

The opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5pm, and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

If your XL Bully dog is too young to be microchipped when you apply for an Exemption Certificate, you will have until 31 March 2025 to send the microchip number to us.

If your XL Bully dog cannot be microchipped for health reasons, an exemption can be made, however you must get a certificate from your vet to confirm this.

Read more about microchipping your dog at nidirect (link opens in new window)

Third-party public liability insurance

You must have third-party public liability insurance for your dog. The cover must begin no later than 1 January 2025. You may wish to consider signing up for The Dogs Trust Companion Club which includes insurance for XL Bully type dogs.

The policy or membership must:

• be renewed annually for the lifetime of the dog and proof provided
• be in the same name as the person named on the Exemption Certificate

If you use a different insurance provider, you must check that the policy:

• covers the policyholder for death or bodily injury to any person caused by the exempted dog
• is suitable for a prohibited breed as defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Neutering an XL Bully dog

For your Exemption Certificate to remain valid, you must arrange to have your XL Bully dog neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed.

For dogs 18 months or older on 31 December 2024, you must give us evidence of neutering by 30 June 2025.

For dogs younger than 18 months on 31 December 2024, you must give us evidence of neutering by 30 June 2025, or one month after the dog reaches 18 months of age, whichever is later.

If you are unsure whether your dog has been neutered, you should seek advice from your vet. You may have to pay a fee for this.

After you are granted an Exemption Certificate

If you have an Exemption Certificate for your XL Bully, you must follow these rules for the lifetime of the dog:

• keep the dog at the same address as the Exemption Certificate holder - you can temporarily keep it at a different address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period
• let us know if you permanently change address – you do not need to tell us if you temporarily keep the dog at another address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period 
• let us know if the dog dies or is exported 
• have third-party public liability insurance for your dog – you can change insurance, but there can be no gap in cover and you must give proof of insurance to us annually
• keep the dog muzzled in public places – it's best to use a muzzle that lets the dog pant, breathe and drink easily 
• keep the dog on a lead in public places – someone over 16 years old must securely hold the lead 
• keep the dog in secure conditions so it cannot escape.

If we ask, you must also give: 

• access to the dog to read its microchip 
• proof of suitable third-party liability insurance within five days of the request 
• the Exemption Certificate within five days of the request 

If you do not follow these rules, your Exemption Certificate will not be valid, and your dog could be seized.

DAERA Compensation scheme for owners who do not wish to keep their XL Bully type dog

If you currently own an XL Bully dog and choose not to adhere to new measures and no longer wish to keep your dog, arrangements may be made to surrender that dog, and for compensation to be paid.

For compensation to be payable, owners must arrange for the XL Bully type dog to be euthanised prior to 31 December 2024.

The compensation scheme is provided independently of our exemption scheme, and any claims for compensation must be sent directly to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for processing by 28 February 2025 using the prescribed compensation claim form for XL Bully owners. 

For XL Bully dog owners £100 compensation is payable in respect of the dog and £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising the dog. Rehoming organisations can claim £100 towards the veterinary fees for euthanising.

Read more about the compensation scheme at nidirect (link opens in new window)

Apply for an Exemption Certificate

You can apply for an XL Bully Exemption Certificate online.

Apply for XL Bully Exemption Certificate (link opens in new window)