There are only two weeks left for XL Bully dog owners to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid fines or the risk of facing jail time.

From August 1, owning an XL Bully without having, or having applied for, an exemption certificate will be considered a criminal offence.

Those found guilty of breaching the new rules could face up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

Postal applications are no longer accepted and online applications are the only way now to obtain an exemption certificate.

The deadline to apply is at midnight on July 31.

Applicants must meet certain conditions, including obtaining third-party insurance, microchipping their dogs, ensuring their dogs are neutered, and also paying a £92.40 fee.

Siobhian Brown, Victims and Community Safety Minister, said: "The deadline is now very close for XL Bully dog owners who have not yet applied for an exemption.

"Public safety has always been the priority and the reason these measures were introduced."

"I would strongly encourage owners to apply now so they can continue to legally own their dogs.

"From 1 August 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or not to have applied for one by that date."