Illegal to import, breed, or re-sell XL Bullies from October 1st
· Ban on ownership from February 1st 2025
· Owners require ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to keep existing dogs
· Minister Humphreys: ‘Public Safety my number one priority’
The 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 the 1st October 2024 with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.
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 1st October subject to the dog being:
Ø Licensed
Ø Microchipped
Ø Neutered
Following engagement with Animal Welfare charities and shelters, existing XL Bully dogs already in these facilities on 1st October will be permitted to be rehomed or exported subject to strict criteria until February 1st 2025.
Speaking after the cabinet meeting today, 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.”
As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are subject to the existing additional controls.
This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.
Further information regarding the XL Bully ban can be found at www.gov.ie/xlbully
