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NI announces XL bully exemption deadline
“I know the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and will take the necessary steps to comply with the new laws” – Minister Muir.
Owners have until 31 December to apply for an exemption certificate.

The Northern Irish government has announced details of its exemption scheme for XL bully dogs, ahead of a ban on the breed coming into force.

From 9 August, owners will be able to apply for an exemption certificate to allow them to keep their dog. The deadline for submitting an application will be 31 December 2024.

Just as in England, Wales, and Scotland, a dog will have to be neutered and microchipped and the owner will need to have third party public liability insurance in order to qualify for an exemption certificate. Northern Ireland is also using the same legal definition of an XL bully as the rest of the UK.

Owners will have until 30 June 2025 to provide evidence of neutering for dogs that are 18 months or older on 31 December 2014. For dogs younger than 18 months on 31 December 2024, owners will have until 30 June 2025 or one month after the dog reaches 18 months of age, whichever is later.

The announcement comes after the first stage of Northern Ireland’s new rules on XL bully dogs came into force on 5 July. XL bully owners now have to keep their dog muzzled and on a lead in public places. It is also illegal to sell, gift, exchange, or breed from an XL bully type dog.

Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland’s minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs, said: “I know the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and will take the necessary steps to comply with the new laws.

“I would encourage all XL bully type dog owners to familiarise themselves with the conditions for exemption and take immediate action to start preparing to apply for an exemption certificate from 9 August and before the deadline of 31 December 2024.”

The full details of how to apply for an exemption certificate can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.