From October 1, it will be illegal to import, breed, or re-sell XL Bully dogs. Then, from February next year, you will not be permitted to own an XL Bully without a a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ confirming the animal is licenced, micro-chipped and neutered.
Violators may face fines of up to €2,500 or imprisonment, while the dog will be seized.
Minister Heather Humphreys announced the upcoming ban during the summer, following a number of horrific attacks by XL Bully dogs, including the death of a young woman who was mauled to death in Limerick.
While some animal welfare organisations support the ban in principle due to concerns over public safety, many are also voicing concerns over its implementation, fearing it may lead to “increased abandonment” and “mistreatment of dogs”.
Other animal shelters vehemently oppose the ban, arguing that it is a “knee-jerk reaction” that places undue pressure on already strained rescue services.
Marie Hannon, founder of Irish Dog Rescue Charity, Dogs in Distress, told the Irish Independent she is “horrified” by the new regulations on XL Bully breeds.
“I think it’s just basically a knee-jerk reaction, and a copy of what’s gone on in the UK,” she said. “All dogs falling into these particular categories are being tarred with the same brush, and it’s not true.”
To qualify as an XL bully, the dog must be at least 51 cm (20 inches) tall at the shoulder. There is no specific weight requirement mentioned, but XL bullies are generally characterised by their muscular build and blocky heads.
However, animal welfare charities fear the ban could lead to increased abandonment of these dogs and further strain on their already stretched services.
“None of us have the time, effort, energy, space, or money to continue at this pace, and now this is thrown on top,” Ms Hannon said.
“Banning a breed never solves the problem. Things go underground, and there are more dangerous dogs being brought in now.”
She said the Government should be targeting puppy farms and backyard breeders and focus on educating people about these types of breeds.
Kerry-Anne Pollock, the previous chairperson of the ISPCA, who spoke on behalf of animal welfare organisation My Lovely Horse Rescue, said they “fully agree” with the ban on XL Bully dogs.
However, she is critical of the implementation, arguing it could lead to more abandoned and mistreated animals.
“Since the ban was announced in July, we’ve seen a large increase in abandonment, which poses a public safety risk,” she said.
“People who don’t know what to expect may approach these dogs, and it’s not that they’re more dangerous, but their size and capability can be intimidating.”
My Lovely Horse Rescue is encouraging the Minister to push out a campaign to encourage owners to surrender their dogs to reputable animal welfare charities and rescues.
They also request an exemption for XL Bully dogs already in pounds and rescues as they should be given a “fair chance” with thorough assessments for health, temperament, and suitability for rehoming in a controlled environment.
“We agree with the ban, but it’s how it’s being done that’s problematic,” Ms Pollock added.
“The dogs that are already here need to be treated humanely, and those that can’t be re-homed should be put down in a stress-free way.”
Tanya Clarke, who finds rescue dogs forever homes at the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), said that while she and the DSPCA support “responsible dog ownership”, the upcoming ban on XL bullies will “not solve the underlying issues”.
“I think the ban will be detrimental to everyone who works in rescue because they care for animals,” she said.
“It’s in all of our natures to want to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals. The right to do that for these dogs, whether they’re friendly or not, is being taken away.”
She said that a lot of people with large bull breed crosses are currently panicking and thinking their dog will be mistaken for an XL bully.
“There’s going to be a lot of innocent dogs falling into the category of people thinking they’re XL bullies, even though they may look vastly different,” she said.
The office of Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural & Community Development, has been contacted for comment.
