XL bully dogs: Ban decision 'needed shortly' in Northern Ireland

American bullies have been involved in a series of attacks

A decision over whether to ban XL bully dogs in Northern Ireland will have to be made very shortly, government officials have said.

The breed has been banned in England and Wales and Scotland has announced it will take similar steps.

Dangerous dogs legislation is a devolved matter.

That means the decision would ordinarily fall to elected ministers here. However, the Northern Ireland Executive is currently suspended.

It collapsed in February 2022 over the DUP's opposition to post-Brexit trade rules in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) told BBC News NI that if ministers are not in post, senior officials will consider what steps can be taken under the provision of the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Act 2022.

• What is an American XL bully and why are they being banned?

Nora Smith, from the USPCA, said its plea to DAERA would be to take an evidence-based approach on the issue.

"Ultimately what we need to be dealing with is the unscrupulous breeders and those who are irresponsible when it comes to dog ownership."

BBC News NI has also heard from animal shelters in Northern Ireland which say dozens of XL bully dog owners in England and Wales have been contacting them looking to rehome their pets here.

'Distressing calls'

Karen Matthews, from Almost Home Animal Rescue in Moira, County Down, said she has had at least 20 calls from Great Britain.

"We've had quite a few calls asking for help, and really distressing calls for us as well that we are having to say no and turn people away that are desperate for our help," she said.

"It's such a tough one, it's so emotive.

"We are full to overflowing, we are a country greatly in decline of good dog homes as well.

"We definitely have dogs that don't have homes, so bringing them in from other areas, it's so hard, every single dog is precious and deserves a chance.

"But we have so many here that need our help as well."

Assisi Animal Sanctuary said it had two applications from XL bully owners in December, but given the waiting lists, local animals are the priority

Speaking about Northern Ireland being the only jurisdiction in the UK which has not committed to a ban, Ms Matthews said Northern Ireland has "become a place at the moment were XL bullies are going to be safe, for now anyway".

Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Conlig, County Down, said it had two applications from XL bully owners in December but, given the waiting lists, local animals are the priority.

A spokesperson from the department said it would "keep the situation here under close and careful review including to assess any impacts on Northern Ireland, of the legislation in place in England and Wales and being brought forward in Scotland to ban the XL bully".

The new rules for owning American XL bully dogs being introduced in England and Wales, mean they must now be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

From 1 February it will be illegal to own one without an exemption certificate.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has said the Scottish government will "in essence replicate" these laws banning XL bully dogs without a licence.