Antrim and Newtownabbey: Nine dogs seized following new XL Bully law, report shows
Antrim and Newtownabbey council officers have seized nine banned breed dogs since the introduction of the XL Bully legislation, a committee report says.
The report to be presented to a meeting of the borough council’s Operations Committee, at Antrim Civic Centre, on Tuesday evening, states officers have executed nine warrants which can be used to enter property to inspect or seize animals. Breed assessments of 12 dogs have also been carried out.
In February last year, the committee was told 65 XL Bullies were licensed in the Antrim and Newtownabbey council area.
XL Bully dogs have been added to the list of restricted breeds under the Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order 1991 through the Dangerous Dogs (designated types) Order (NI) 2024.
Since January 2025, it has been illegal to own an XL Bully without a valid exemption certificate. Penalties for breaching legislation include fines of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
If the owner of an XL Bully dog does not have an exemption certificate, the council can seize the animal and the owner could face court action.
Legislation does not impose an outright ban but it forbids buying, selling, exchanging, gifting or abandoning XL Bullies and having an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle. Someone over 16 years old must securely hold the lead. The dog must be kept in secure conditions so it cannot escape and must be kept at the same address as the certificate holder.
If a local authority asks, owners must give access to the dog for its microchip to be read, provide proof of suitable third party liability insurance within five days and provide a copy of an exemption certificate within five days of a request.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter