Owners of XL Bully dogs across the north are being urged to begin preparing for the new restrictions which are coming into force in two stages from July 5.
XL Bully dogs are crossbreeds and Kennel Club breed standards do not exist. DAERA has adopted the UK government specifications for the breed, which include the size of their head and muzzle, their build and the height and length of their body.
Dogs Trust NI area manager, Jake Flatman, has urged owners to review these guidelines and “err on the side of caution” by adhering to the restrictions if their dog meets the majority of the characteristics.
The first set of restrictions will kick in on Friday July, 5 and will make it an offence to have an XL Bully in public without a lead and a muzzle.
Mr Flatman, said: “To put a muzzle on a dog straight away with no training, won’t yield positive results. It is alien to them and it can be quite frightening, quite scary.
“Firstly, make sure that they’ve got a well fitting muzzle and start to introduce it with the use of treats, so that the dog sees that as a positive interaction.
“What I’d also do, because they will have to be on a lead at all times, is getting them used to walking nicely on a lead.”
Mr Flatman added that the trust’s training arm, the Dog School, will be running a series of one-on-one and virtual training sessions focusing on muzzle and lead walking.
The trust runs sessions from Belfast and Ballymena and discounts will be available to XL Bully owners.
It will also be an offence abandon an XL Bully or let it stray, so owners should make sure any outdoor spaces are secured.
The second stage of restrictions will come into effect from December 31, but experts say owners should begin preparing as soon as possible.
Owners will have to apply for an exemption certificate which is expected to cost £92.40, in addition to a dog license.
Chief executive of the USPCA, Nora Smith, said that although the details of the application process have not yet been published by DAERA, it is expected to resemble measures taken in other regions.
Ms Smith urged owners owners to begin preparing now.
“You will have to obtain third party liability insurance, this differs from your pet insurance,” she said.
“Third-party liability insurance can help with the costs of legal fees in the event your dog injures another person, animal or someone else’s property.
“The most cost-effective option is by purchasing membership to the Dogs Trust. If you decide to go directly through an insurance company, please shop around to ensure you get the best quote.
“You have to get your dog neutered by the time it is 18 months old, so please have early conversations with your vet now.”
DEARA has said that full details of the application process and conditions for exemption will be announced soon.