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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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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.