Advice for XL Bully Owners

Apply for your Certificate of Exemption

• Making an application for an XL Bully Certificate of Exemption

  The application process for XL Bully exemptions is now open and will close on 31 December 2024. Owners of XL Bully dogs can apply by downloading an application form.

  Apply for a Certificate of Exemption

  Once completed, this form should be returned either by E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or by post to:

  Environmental Health
  Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
  Mossley Mill
  Newtownabbey
  BT36 5QA

  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 8 weeks old
  • Have your dog neutered by the time it is 18 months old
  • Get third party public liability insurance for your dog
  • Pay the application fee of £92.40

  Please note that Exemption Certificates will only be issued 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 applications for exemption will not be accepted in the absence of a current dog licence.

  If your XL Bully is not already licensed, please do so online.

  Apply for a Dog Licence

  If your XL Bully dog is too young to be microchipped when you apply for an exemption, 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.

  Find more information on microchipping your dog.

• 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/membership must:

  • Be renewed annually for the life of the dog and proof given to your local council
  • 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 The Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 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, evidence of neutering having occurred must be given to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council by 30 June 2025.

  For dogs younger than 18 months on 31 December 2024, evidence of neutering must be given to the Council 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.

  Download the following form and return it to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to confirm than your XL Bully dog has been neutered:

  Veterinary confirmation of neutering form

• After you apply for an exemption

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

  • Keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder – you can temporarily keep it at a different address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period 
  • Tell the Council if you permanently change address – you do not need to tell if you temporarily keep the dog at another address for up to 30 days in a 12-month period 
  • Tell the Council 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 your local council 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 one of the Council's Enforcement Officers request, you must also give: 

  • Access to the dog to read its microchip 
  • Proof of suitable third party liability insurance within five days of their request 
  • The Exemption Certificate within five days of their 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.

  Please note that the compensation scheme is provided independently of the Council's 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.

  Details on the DAERA Compensation Scheme