Council Urges XL Bully Owners to Apply for Exemption Certificates

XL Bully owners within the district of Newry, Mourne and Down have just over two weeks left to apply for an Exemption Certificate to avoid their dog being seized and facing court action, which could lead to them losing their pet.

From 1 January 2025, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Dog Wardens will have the powers to seize your XL Bully if it has not been exempted. The deadline to apply is 31 December 2024 and it only takes a matter of minutes to complete online and costs £92.40.

For XL Bully dogs to be eligible for exemption they must be microchipped, licensed and have third-party insurance. Whilst XL Bully dogs must also be neutered as part of the exemption conditions, this can be completed after you have made your application. Depending on the dog’s age, evidence of neutering can be submitted up until 30 June 2025.

The application for exemption must still be made, however, by 31 December 2024, regardless of the age or neutering status of the dog.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, said, "I would urge XL Bully owners within the district area that they must act now and ensure their dog gets exempted before 31 December 2024 deadline. Although neutering your XL Bully is a condition of exemption, there is still time to neuter your XL Bully after the 31 December 2024, so the important thing is to submit your application in time.”

To download an XL Bully Dog Exemption Application Form please visit the Council’s website: www.newrymournedown.org/dog-licensing.  The application fee is £92.40 and full details of the application process and conditions for exemption can be found on our website.  

Payments can be made either by cheque or over the phone by debit or credit card. Applications will be processed as soon as possible; however, allow up to 21 days for your Exemption Certificate to be issued.

If an owner applies before the closing date of Tuesday 31 December, they may not receive their Exemption Certificate by 1 January 2025. If this happens and a Council Dog Warden asks to see a certificate the owner can show the warden proof of applying. 

Owners can contact the Environmental Health (Dog Licensing) Team with any queries in relation to their application on 0330 137 4024 or email ehealth@nmandd.org.

XL Bully owners are reminded to apply now, before the 31 December 2024 deadline, otherwise the penalties for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5000.