A Moira-based animal rescue centre has issued an urgent appeal to rehome a “great boy” who would otherwise have less than four days to discover his regrettable fate.
Almost Home Animal Rescue NI took to social media in an attempt to find “happy, big goof” Titan a home before new XL Bully restrictions come into effect in Northern Ireland on July 5.
Titan was rescued after finding himself in a pound in Derry/Londonderry, and while his exact breed is not known, he may fall into the category of ‘XL bully’.
With the first phase of new legislation prohibiting the sale, giving away or rehoming of an XL Bully, Titan may be one of many dogs put to sleep if not placed in a suitable home before Friday.
From Titan’s perspective, the rescue posted: “I hear the team talking here, I hear worry when they mention my name.
“There’s lots of whispers, lots of worried looks when they see me.
“I can’t understand why, I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong? I’ve been a great boy, I’m quiet, I don’t bark, I keep my bedroom clean and try my hardest to always please, I’m thankful to be here you see so I really do try.
“I hear them talk about a breed called XL Bullys, they think I may fall into that category but I honestly don’t see how, there’s no mirrors here.
“Do I look so different from all my friends, too tall? Too scary?
“I really love my life, I love when the sunshine comes and it warms my face, especially after it’s rained for a bit.
“I love to watch the hens and geese, they are great scratching about the soil looking for food. I tried it once but there weren’t any treats in there, just a mouthful of soil. I’ll leave that to my feathered friends.
“I’ve watched my friends go home and wonder if I’m next but it looks like my alternative will be very different to those that go before me.
“Because of my breed I need to find you, my new family, before the 4th July.
“That’s five days or my future may not be so bright, I’m just a baby too, so much I want to do.
“I have so much love to give, I know I am here for a reason, it’s not to die when I’m just learning.
“I’m a good boy, I promise and I will always try my best for you, if only you’ll give me a chance.
“Love Titan.”
After receiving over 470 comments to the post which was shared over 2,500 times, Almost Home Animal Rescue NI have updated their website to reflect that Titan is thankfully ‘under consideration’.
According to the rules Titan’s new family will have to comply with several stringent measures including not having XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle, not breeding from an XL Bully, they cannot abandon an XL Bully or let it stray, and they must ensure that he will be kept in secure conditions that will prevent escape.
The second stage of the ban will come into effect on December 31, 2024 making it illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without an Exemption Certificate from January 1, 2025.
To get a Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully dog, you must get your dog microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old, have your dog neutered by the time it is 18 months old, get third party public liability insurance for your dog and pay the application fee of £92.40.
Newry-based animal welfare charity USPCA said of the ban: “The USCPA has been long opposed to breed specification legislation, however, as a responsible charity we will of course comply with the NI Executive’s decision. Though it is heartbreaking to think that some dogs will be put to sleep as a result of this measure.
“We fully support legislation that protects public safety and hope that in the longer term NI Executive works with the Dog Control Coalition members to introduce measures which will move away from ‘deed and not breed’.
“We would encourage all XL bully owners in Northern Ireland to ensure they meet with the legal requirements by the dates set out in order to ensure they are able to keep their much loved family pet.”
