Owners of XL Bully dogs have less than two weeks to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid their pets being seized and facing potential legal action.

The deadline for submitting online applications to local councils is midnight on December 31, 2024.

To be eligible for exemption, XL Bully dogs must be microchipped, licensed, and insured. While neutering is a requirement, it can be done after the exemption application is submitted. However, the application itself must be made by the end of the year, regardless of the dog's age or neutering status.

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: “Time is running out to apply for an Exemption Certificate, there are less than two weeks left until the scheme closes on 31 December 2024. Over half of licensed XL Bully dog owners in Northern Ireland have already applied for exemption, with more applications coming in daily and I strongly urge those remaining owners to take action now. From 1 January 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an Exemption Certificate and owners risk losing their pet and facing court action.”

Full details of the compensation and exemption schemes, including details on how owners can apply for compensation if they no longer wish to keep their animal, can be found on the nidirect website

Contact the Dog Control section at your local council if you would like guidance on completing your application for exemption or you have any queries.