The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced substantial changes to the rules governing prohibited dog breeds in Northern Ireland, removing the mandatory insurance requirement for exempted animals while introducing new legal obligations to protect children from potentially dangerous encounters in domestic settings.
From 1 July 2026, owners of restricted breeds—including XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers, and three other types—will no longer need third-party liability insurance to hold a valid Exemption Certificate. However, from 1 November 2026, it will become a criminal offence to leave a child under 12 unsupervised in close proximity to these dogs in private homes or gardens.
Key changes to exemption rules
The updates align Northern Ireland with recent changes in England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, marking a shift in how dangerous dogs are regulated. The two principal amendments address financial liabilities and child safety protocols:
- Insurance requirement dropped: From 1 July 2026, third-party liability insurance will no longer be mandatory for owners of prohibited breeds. Local councils will issue updated Exemption Certificates to reflect this change.
- Child supervision mandate: From 1 November 2026, owners must ensure children under 12 are not left in close proximity to exempted dogs in private settings without adult supervision. Failure to comply could result in seizure of the dog and prosecution under the Dogs Order (Northern Ireland) 1983.
The five breed types currently designated as restricted in Northern Ireland are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully.
Minister defends safety measures
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, who introduced the XL Bully restrictions in 2024, stated that the measures remain essential for public safety despite the relaxation of insurance rules.
“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.”
What owners must still do
Despite the removal of the insurance requirement, several strict conditions remain attached to Exemption Certificates. Owners must continue to ensure their dogs are:
- Neutered
- Kept leashed and muzzled in public places
- Housed in sufficiently secure conditions when not in public
- Made available to council dog wardens for inspection upon request
- Properly registered, with councils notified of any change of address, death, or export of the animal
Gaps and broader concerns
The announcement leaves several practical questions unanswered. The Department has not specified how “close proximity” will be defined, nor has it detailed how councils—already struggling with enforcement resources—will monitor compliance inside private homes. The removal of mandatory insurance also raises concerns about compensation for attack victims, as owners will no longer be required to hold policies covering personal injury or property damage.
These changes come against a backdrop of rising dog attacks across the UK. Despite the XL Bully ban introduced in England and Wales in February 2024, followed by similar measures in Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2025, recorded attacks have continued to increase. Data from England and Wales showed 31,920 dog attacks on people in 2024—a 2% rise on the previous year—suggesting breed-specific legislation may not address the root causes of dangerous dog incidents. Animal welfare charities, including the USPCA and RSPCA, have consistently argued that resources would be better directed towards tackling irresponsible breeding and promoting education rather than targeting specific breeds.
Questions for policymakers
- How will local councils practically enforce supervision requirements within private dwellings without intrusive inspections?
- What financial protections will remain for victims of attacks by exempted dogs once insurance requirements are removed?
- Given that attack statistics have risen despite breed bans, should policymakers reconsider whether breed-specific legislation effectively protects public safety?
- Will the money saved by owners on insurance premiums be redirected towards training or welfare programmes, and if not, what incentive exists to improve responsible ownership?
The Department has committed to publishing updated guidance before the child supervision requirement takes effect in November. Owners do not need to take immediate action, though they should ensure their current certificates remain valid and await contact from their local council regarding the updated documentation.