Ireland Bans XL Bully Dogs After Safety Concerns
Dublin: Ireland has officially banned XL bully dogs, declaring them dangerous. The law, which will be implemented in two phases, begins in October and continues into February 2025. Owners who fail to comply will face having their dogs seized and euthanised.
Starting in October, it will be illegal to breed, import, or sell XL bully dogs. By February 1, 2025, legal action will be taken against owners without an exemption certificate ensuring licensing, microchipping, and neutering. The second phase of the ban in Northern Ireland will come into effect on December 31, mirroring the law in Ireland.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, stated that the government’s action follows several incidents, including the recent death of Nicola Morey, who was attacked by her own bully dog in Limerick.
From October, no one will be allowed to keep dangerous dogs in Ireland. Owners of current bully dogs are urged to apply for an exemption certificate between October and February 2025. These certificates will be issued based on strict criteria, including licensing, microchipping, and neutering, as agreed upon with the Dog Control stakeholder group.
Humphreys emphasised that no dog’s life is worth more than a human’s, citing the numerous fatalities caused by these dogs. The minister stressed that the government aims to align with Northern Ireland and the UK on this issue.
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) noted the importance of monitoring how the ban will be enforced and called for the establishment of rescue centres to rehabilitate affected pets.
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