The ban on XL bullies has animal rescues around the country deeply concerned for the welfare of the dog, with many now “effectively facing a death sentence”.
Among the measures that will come into effect on October 1 is a ban on rehoming the dog breed, which means the animal welfare groups will effectively be powerless to help.
From February 1 next year, those who already own an XL bully are permitted to keep their dog once they have a valid dog licence, the dog is microchipped and neutered, and they have applied for and received a certificate of exemption.
According to the ban which was announced by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys: “After 1st February 2025, any owner not compliant with the new regulations will have their dog seized and euthanised”.
Animal rescues believe many XL bully owners will simply abandon their dogs rather than take the time to meet the new requirements, leading to a surge in bullies being abandoned over the coming months. As the abandoned dogs cannot be rehomed, these too will be put down.
Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, said she supports the idea of having a certificate and other requirements for these dog owners but not allowing rehoming is effectively a death sentence for many dogs.
Nicole Morey death
Ms Humphreys cited public safety when announcing the ban following a number of recent attacks by XL bullies, in particular, the fatal attack on Limerick woman Nicole Morey last month.
Ms Morey’s death on the night of her 23rd birthday prompted widespread calls for a ban to be introduced on the dog breed, similar to those announced in the UK.
Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan said the people of Limerick, who are still mourning the loss of Ms Morey, welcomed the news. “Dogs of this breed have no place on our streets or indeed, in our own homes, where Nicole was tragically attacked,” Mr O’Donovan said.
I hope to see more action in the months ahead and a serious crackdown on control of these dogs and those who breed them, sell them and import them.
He was joined by Fianna Fáil minister of state Niall Collins, who said the ban should reduce the frequency of these terrible attacks.
“Without these new measures I fear there could be further fatal attacks by these dogs,” said Mr Collins.
However, Ms Kenny pointed out there had been no plans laid out for how the Government will enforce the ban or who will be responsible for it.
There are currently 4,000 dogs per warden in this country and requirements for dog licences and microchipping are not being strongly enforced so it remains to be seen if they can effectively enforce this ban, she said.
Currently, the owner of an XL bully is required to have a dog licence, have the dog microchipped, they must keep the dog on a short lead and ensure they are muzzled when in public.
A better approach to the situation would have been to properly enforce these requirements on dog owners, said Ms Kenny.
She said there had already been strong reaction from dog owners and dog lovers to the news of the ban and she predicts the Government will have a fight on its hands.
There are currently 11 restricted dog breeds in Ireland and there is concern that, in time, these breeds will also be subject to a ban.
Ms Kenny said animal welfare groups were already facing a dog crisis, with calls every day about abandoned dogs but this news means they are now in a nightmare dog crisis.
If people think there’s a chance their dog may soon face a similar ban, they may decide keeping their dog is not the right option for them and shelters cannot cope with demand as it stands, she said.