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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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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.