A group representing dog and animal welfare organisations has been holding a demonstration in Dublin city centre ahead of a planned ban on XL Bully dogs.
Demonstrators walked their dogs from St Stephen’s Green to the Dáil, as they gathered to call on the Government to improve laws relating to XL Bullys and restricted breeds.
From 1 October, it will be illegal to breed, sell, rehome or import XL Bullys.
A second phase of regulations will be introduced from 1 February 2025.
This will see a ban on owning an XL Bully dog unless the owner has a Certificate of Exemption.
The regulations follow calls for tighter dog control measures after a number of high-profile dog attacks.
Breed-specific laws can be difficult to enforce, especially if a dog’s breed cannot be easily determined or if it is of mixed breed, Dog Advocacy Ireland has said.
They argue that such legislation is discriminatory against responsible owners and their dogs, and bans do not address irresponsible pet ownership.
Earlier this week, the Dáil heard calls for an amnesty and extension ahead of the planned ban of XL Bully dogs.
Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews said the ban was causing panic and mayhem and was an extreme measure that could see thousands of dogs killed.
The Green Party’s Neasa Hourigan called for a delay in the timeline saying that there were too many outstanding questions on how the ban would work.
Minister of State Thomas Byrne told the Dáil that the ban was being introduced due to public safety and human safety after a number of recent incidents.
He indicated that the ban would come into force as planned.
Demonstrators highlighted the importance of appropriate training for dogs to prevent attacks.
“If the dog is trained correctly it will not attack, so owners need training,” said Anna of My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue.
They also advocated for the neutering and spaying of XL Bully dogs, as well as a ban on the cross-breeding of XL Bullys and other high-risk dog breeds.
A comprehensive national program of education, training, and behavioral programs for dog owners, is required, according to Brenda Fitzpatrick, co-founder of WAG Rescue.
Those who abandon their dogs should face “real penalties”, she added.
“We’re totally in favour of the neutering and spaying of XL Bullys. We’re totally in favour of the banning of the breeding of all hybrid breeds of dogs.
“The problem is that this legislation doesn’t focus on what’s about to happen, which is the hybrid breeding of so many other breeds of dogs.
“What we’re asking for is a comprehensive national program of education and availability of training programs and behavioural programs for owners who are struggling.
“Real penalties for people who dump and abandon their dogs.
“We’re looking for enforcement to stop backstreet breeding, because this is the root of everything in this country.”
