Ireland to ban ownership of XL Bully dogs from February

Ireland's Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 that will introduce the ban on XL Bully type dogs in Ireland.

The ban will come into force in two stages beginning on October 1, with a full ownership ban coming into force on February 1.

The Department of Rural and Community Development said on Thursday, September 26 that the period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life

There will be no fee for the certificate of exemption.

Owners will be able to apply for a certificate of exemption from their local authority from October 1 subject to the dog being licensed, microchipped, neutered.

Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.

The dog may be seized and euthanized in a humane manner and the owner will be subject to the penalties outlined in that Act - a fine of up to €2,500, imprisonment of a term of up to three months, or both.

The Department noted that following engagement with Animal Welfare charities and shelters, existing XL Bully dogs already in these facilities on October 1 will be permitted to be rehomed or exported subject to strict criteria until February 1.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting on Thursday, September 26, Minister Humphreys said: “I am bringing these regulations into force in the interest of public safety following a number of horrific attacks by XL Bully dogs, which included the death of a young woman in Limerick.

"The XL Bully type dog was also responsible for an attack on a very small child in Kerry last month and the horrific attack on Alejandro Mizsan in Wexford in 2022.

"I am concerned that if we do not take action now, the number of these dogs in the country will grow and my fear is that these attacks will become more frequent.

“While I know not everybody will agree with the ban, my ultimate priority is to protect public safety.

“For existing owners of XL Bully Dogs, provided they take the necessary steps and obtain a Certificate of Exemption, they will be permitted to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.”

Today I have signed the regulations that will introduce a ban on the XL Bully. More details 👇 pic.twitter.com/YzmacGlxwS

— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) September 26, 2024

Meanwhile, a petition launched by Working Animal Guardians (WAG) in July that calls for a ban on breeding XL Bully dogs instead of a ban on existing dogs has gained more than 15,600 signatures.

"We are advocating and appealing for a humane, progressive and evidential based resolution to this issue," organizers wrote on the petition, adding that "responsible ownership and public education should be the primary focus."

On Wednesday, members of WAG demonstrated in Dublin, calling for more time for shelters and pounds to rehome dogs and to raise awareness for all animals in need.

On Friday, WAG said that the extension granted to XL Bully dogs already in shelters and rescues in Ireland was a "small but important step forward."

The group added: "We will continue to call for a responsible and ethical programme of animal welfare and public safety in relation to XL Bully Type Dogs and indeed for ALL dogs."