The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has made a Statutory Rule entitled “Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024” (S.R. 2024 No. 133 ) which comes into operation on 5 July 2024.

This Rule adds XL Bully type dogs to Article 25A(1)(c) of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983. From the 5th July 2024, this means that the owner of an XL Bully type dog must ensure they comply with the safeguards that relate to designated dogs as provided for in section 25A of The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983. This includes ensuring their dog is kept on a lead and muzzled when in a public place. It also requires that XL Bully dogs are not; bred, sold, gifted, abandoned or exchanged, nor can they be permitted to stray. It also sets an 'appointed day' of 31st December 2024 beyond which it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate.

Copies of the Rule may be purchased from The Stationery Office (TSO) at www.tsoshop.co.uk or by contacting TSO Customer Services on 0333 202 5070 or viewed online at online at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr