XL bullies: Last chance for owners to dogs from ban

XL bully Reggie is one of the dogs on the register and is adored by his owner Carla.

She adopted him in June from Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary.

“He’s approximately three years old and he now falls into the category of needing an exemption certificate because he’s an XL bully-type breed,” she said.

She used her local council’s website to download an application form and got help from the Dogs Trust to complete it.

“All you had to prove was your Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering. It’s the one that the vet will give a wee stamp to and you put it in with your form and it’s really simple.

“It just comes out then in the post.”

The completion of the form ahead of the deadline meant Reggie could now legally be kept.

As well as being registered, the dogs must be microchipped, licenced and have third-party insurance in order for their owners to get an exemption certificate.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said that while dogs needed to be neutered, this could be completed after an application for an exemption had been made.

Charities have spoken of their concern that the ban could lead to healthy dogs being destroyed.