An Animal welfare group has called for an “amnesty” for XL bully dogs rather than a ban on the breed, which is due to come into effect next month.
Dozens of campaigners, alongside their dogs, gathered by Stephen’s Green in Dublin to protest the upcoming ban.
The legislation was introduced by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys in July, following a series of dog attacks.
The new rules will come into effect from the 1 October, with the legislation set to ban the breed on a phased basis.
Under the first phase, it will be illegal to breed, sell, rehome or import XL bully dogs.
In the second phase, which will be introduced on 1 February 2025, there will be a ban on owning an XL bully dog, unless the owner has a certificate of exemption.
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The certificates will only be issued to owners who can prove that their dog has a licence, is microchipped and is neutered. Not holding a certificate can result in a fine of up to €2,500, up to three months imprisonment, or both a fine and imprisonment.
Not having a certificate by the 1 February 2025 can result in the dog being seized and put down.
Speaking at the event, Brenda Fitzpatrick, co-founder of Working Animal Guardians Rescue, said that the ban was not the answer to the issue, and that a different approach should be taken.
“Banning one kind of dog leads to the hybrid breeding of other kinds of dogs. It’s not dealing with the real issues we have in this country with animal welfare and public responsibility, and the enforcement of the existing rules.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said that she agreed with Minister Humphrey’s placing of the XL bully breed on the list of restricted breeds list.
“We believe that XL bully dogs should be neutered, spayed, and that there should be a ban on the breeding. But what we’re advocating for is that no dog is banned in this country,” she said.
“Instead, the existing dogs, who are now going to be dumped into dog pounds, dumped on the roads, that they are allowed to be given an amnesty, so that they can be rehomed responsibly and effectively.”
Kerri Morris, Andrew Sharmon and their XL bully, Luna, made up part of the crowd in attendance.
“I think we should just enforce the rules that are already there. There’s a restricted list for a reason,” said Ms Morris.
“Wear a muzzle in public, keep them on a lead. I think more dog wardens would be the best way to go. She’s (Luna) licensed, microchipped, neutered, so we’re already doing everything we can. It’s just such a terrible shame that so many dogs are going to die now because of this ban.”
Mr Sharmon explained that the pair had originally planned on getting a corgi.
“We didn’t even want to get an XL bully, she just came into our lives and we knew that she was our dog,” he said.
“She’s as good as gold. We learned about her, and we trained her to the best of our abilities,” he added.
Mr Mr Sharmon said: “People need to understand their dogs in general, regardless of the breed. You need to understand how the dog behaves. We know when she feels threatened because the hairs stand up on her neck and we remove her from the situation.
“We have her in a muzzle because she’s on the restricted list. We wouldn’t walk her through town without her muzzle, because we’re not that kind of people.”
Meanwhile Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys announced an additional €2 million will be provided to support County Councils “to hire more dog wardens”.
Ms Humphreys said that while “not everyone will agree with the ban”, it is her “ultimate priority is to protect public safety”.
“The XL Bully has been involved in a number of horrific attacks,” she said.
