Offaly County Council request that all owners of XL Bully type dogs and potentially XL Bully type dogs usually residing in County Offaly apply for a Certificate of Exemption for their dogs by January 31st, 2025, to comply with the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024.
These regulations, which came into effect on October 1st, 2024, place certain restrictions on XL Bully type dogs on top of the Restricted breeds legislation which applies to all restricted breeds. An important part of the regulations is that all owners of a XL Bully type dog are required to hold or have applied for a Certificate of Exemption for such dogs before February 1st, 2025, as enforcement of these regulations commences from 01st February.
Barry Lennon, A/Director of Services with Offaly County Council confirms that “If your dog has any American Bully in its bloodline and meets the height and a substantial number of the Physical Conformation of Standard traits then it requires a Certificate of Exemption.”
An XL Bully is a category of American Bulldog (Bully) along with Classic, Standard and Pocket categories of American Bully. XL Bully type dogs are any American Bulldog (Bully) or cross with another breed that contains some American Bully bloodline in its make-up and for younger dogs of the type under the age of 18 months could potentially meet the height requirement of 20Inches/51cm at the Withers (point where top of front shoulder meets the neck) for a male and 19Inches/48cm at the withers for a female. They must also meet a substantial number of the characteristics listed on the Physical Conformation of Standard for XL Bully type dogs.
Applying for a Certificate of Exemption is a free, legally required voluntary declaration that your dog may be an XL Bully type dog.
On receipt of a Certificate of Exemption application, Offaly County Council will issue a unique identification number for the dog. Once all supporting documentation is given and verified, this will be the finalised Certificate of Exemption unique identification number. This number will also link with the relevant microchip number and dog licence. This number will also appear on all correspondence with the owner.
Supporting Documentation includes:
- Proof of owner’s identity with picture and name (Passport, Driving Licence, PPS card etc.).
- Proof of Address (official communications, bank statement, utility bill etc.) dated within the last 3 months.
- Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status form.
- Copy of a valid dog licence in the name and address of the applicant/owner.
- Copy of the Dog Microchipping Certificate.
If your XL Bully type dog is not of neutering age, neutering should occur within one month of the dog turning 18 months old even if this date is after 1st February 2025.
Offaly County Council have a dedicated resource on their website providing a useful guide to completing the relevant application form as well as the confirmation of Neutering Status form – all of which can be accessed www.offaly.ie/xl-bully-type-dogs-new-regulations/
Hard copies of all relevant forms are also available for collection from the Climate Action, Environment and Rural Water section of Offaly County Council at Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore.
Staff from the Environment Section will also host 3 drop-in clinics from 2pm to 4pm in Tullamore, Edenderry and Birr to assist XL Bully type dog owners complete their registration forms. Please visit Tullamore Library on Tuesday 28th January, Edenderry Library on Wednesday 29th January and Birr Library on Thursday 30th January and a member of the team will assist you with your registration.
Please follow Offaly County Council social media channels for full details.