Belfast Council Calls for Review of XL Bully Legislation

Belfast Council is calling on Stormont for an assessment of new dangerous dogs legislation to ensure "animal welfare is not compromised".

Public Concerns

At the March meeting of the full Belfast City Council, a Sinn Féin amendment on a motion forwarded by the Green Party was agreed by the chamber, asking the Minister at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide a written analysis of the law including its restrictions on the rehoming of XL Bullies.

Legislation Review

The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 legislation came into force in July last year. From that date all XL Bully type dogs are required to be muzzled, on a lead when in public, and the dogs must be kept in secure conditions that will stop them from escaping.