New rules for XL Bully and other banned dog breeds as child safety law introduced in Northern Ireland

A new legal requirement aimed at protecting children around prohibited dog breeds will come into force in Northern Ireland later this year, while another long-standing condition for owners is being removed.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced two significant changes affecting people who hold Exemption Certificates for prohibited dog breed types, including XL Bullies.

From 1 November 2026, owners of prohibited breed type dogs will be legally required to ensure that children under the age of 12 are not left in close proximity to these dogs in a home or other private setting without adult supervision.

The move mirrors measures already being introduced in England and Wales and is intended to reduce the risk of serious incidents involving children.

New child safety requirement introduced

The new safeguard applies to all prohibited breed types covered by exemption arrangements in Northern Ireland.

DAERA said the measure is designed to reduce the risk of serious injury to children in domestic environments while allowing exempted dogs to remain with families where appropriate supervision is maintained.

Failure to comply with the new requirement could result in enforcement action.

Under existing powers contained within the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, penalties may include seizure of the dog and potential prosecution.

Updated guidance is expected to be published by DAERA before the new requirement takes effect on 1 November 2026.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said restrictions on prohibited breeds remain an important public safety measure.

He said:

“Restrictions on prohibited breeds are essential for public safety, that is why I introduced these measures for XL Bully type dogs in 2024. The evidence was clear that these animals posed a greater risk to people and other animals when compared to other breeds.

“To enhance child safety, I now plan to introduce similar steps being taken in England and Wales from 1 November prohibiting a child under the age of 12 to be left in close proximity to a prohibited breed type dog in a home or other private setting without adult supervision.

“Although this legal requirement only applies to prohibited breed-types, any dog can pose a risk in certain situations. Owners should be reminded of guidance that young children should always be supervised around all dogs.”

Insurance requirement to be removed from July

In a separate change, DAERA has confirmed that owners of prohibited breed type dogs will no longer be required to hold third-party liability insurance as part of the conditions for obtaining an Exemption Certificate.

The change takes effect from 1 July 2026.

According to the Department, the move aligns Northern Ireland with the approach already taken across the rest of the UK and reflects current requirements in the Republic of Ireland.

Local councils will contact affected owners directly in the coming weeks and issue updated Exemption Certificates reflecting the revised conditions.

DAERA said owners do not need to take any action as a result of the insurance change.

Which dogs are affected?

Five breed types are currently designated as restricted breeds in Northern Ireland under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983:

• Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

• XL Bully

Owners of these dogs can only keep them legally if they meet exemption requirements and hold a valid Exemption Certificate.

Conditions that remain in force

While the insurance requirement is being removed, all other conditions attached to Exemption Certificates remain unchanged.

Owners must continue to ensure:

• The dog is neutered

• The dog is kept leashed and muzzled in public places

• The dog is kept in sufficiently secure conditions when not in a public place

• The dog is made available for inspection by council dog wardens

• The relevant council is informed of any change of address, death of the dog, or export of the dog from Northern Ireland

Local councils remain responsible for dog control enforcement across Northern Ireland.

The changes represent the latest development in Northern Ireland’s management of prohibited dog breeds, balancing public safety concerns with provisions that allow exempted dogs to remain with their owners under strict legal conditions.

For affected owners, the most immediate change will be the removal of the insurance requirement from 1 July, while the new child supervision rule will become a legal obligation from 1 November 2026.