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Posted: 7th March 2024

Northern Ireland to introduce XL bully laws
DAERA minister Andrew Muir said the new rules were in response to a 'concerning' number of attacks.
DAERA is yet to announce a deadline when they will begin.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland (DAERA) has announced that new laws will be put in place on the ownership of XL bully type dogs.

The legislation will mean owners have to keep their dogs on-lead and muzzled in public. It will prohibit the breeding of XL bully types, as well as selling, abandoning or giving away the dogs.

As part of the scheme XL bullies will also need to be neutered, and appropriately accounted for with the authorities.

DAERA minister Andrew Muir said that the new rules were in response to a ‘concerning’ number of serious and fatal XL bully attacks.

According to DAERA there are 140 XL bully type dogs licensed in Northern Ireland, an increase of 90 dogs since last October. Minister Muir said that now would be the time to act, while XL bully numbers remained manageable and more easy to track.

He commented that, while he knew there were many XL bullies who are cared for and trained by experienced, careful owners, the development of the breed type had suffered with other owners.

Minister Muir said: “I want to reassure the people of Northern Ireland that I have not rushed into a decision. I have carefully considered all aspects and I have not taken this decision lightly. It became clear quickly that there was no perfect solution to this problem.”

The move follows similar rules put in place by both England and Scotland earlier this year. XL bully owners in England have been required to hold exemption certificates since 31 January, while the final stage of Scotland’s legislation will come into force on 31 July.

However, Minister Muir did not announce a proposed date from which XL bully owners in Northern Ireland will need to adhere to these new regulations.

He added: “My Department will develop guidance and practical support to allow owners to understand the impending legislative changes, including how to identify an XL bully breed type dog using the standard developed by the UK government. My Department will provide further detail on these safeguards in due course and the dates when they come into effect.

“Longer term, I have a desire to explore the possibility of meaningful reform to our dog control laws, in close co-operation with key stakeholders in the sector.”

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has called DAERA’s announcement ‘disappointing’, and refused to support breed specific legislation.

The USPCA says that it, and other animal welfare charities, instead recommended educating the public about XL bully type dogs, and encouraging responsible pet ownership. It said that DAERA should focus on better enforcing current legislation against irresponsible dog owners.

The charity said it would continue to work with DAERA to promote responsible pet ownership and tackle dog breeding issues.

Image © Shutterstock



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