Time is running out for owners of XL bully dogs to apply for exemption in Northern Ireland

Owners of XL bully dogs in Northern Ireland who have not applied for an exemption certificate have been warned their pet is at risk of being seized.

It will be illegal from midnight tomorrow (December 31) to own the breed without a certificate - similar restrictions have already been introduced in other parts of the UK.

Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland's Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said owners who have not applied could also face court action.

For the dogs to be eligible for exemption, they must be microchipped, licensed and have third-party insurance.

They must also be neutered, although this can be completed after the application is submitted.

Mr Muir said: “A significant number of the licensed population of XL bully dogs in Northern Ireland are still to be exempted.

“Owners should know that, come January, their dog is at risk of being seized and they may face court action.

“No-one wants to lose their dog, that is why we have made the application process as simple as possible.

“I am urging anyone with an XL bully to obtain their application immediately before time runs out.”

Full details of the application process and the conditions for exemption can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs.

XL bully-type dogs were added to the list of restricted breeds in Northern Ireland on July 5.

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