XL Bully Ban in Ireland
Effective from February 1st 2025, it is illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ issued by the local authority in which the dog resides. As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are already, and will continue to be, subject to the existing additional controls placed on all restricted breeds. This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.
14 February 2025 - A statement from Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, the ISPCA and MADRA.
While decisive action is crucial to preventing further dog control incidents and protecting public safety, we remain deeply concerned about the effectiveness of this breed-based ban of XL Bully type dogs in Ireland.
There is consistent evidence that breed bans fail to reduce the number of dog bite incidents and instead present significant challenges for dog owners and the animal welfare sector. We have continued to reiterate these views as members of the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control.
We urge the government to now prioritise enforcing and adequately funding laws that address the root causes of dog aggression across all breeds and types of dog. This includes tackling unscrupulous breeders, penalising irresponsible owners of dangerously out-of-control dogs, and educating and empowering responsible dog owners.
Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, the ISPCA and MADRA.
1 October 2024 - Joint statement from Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, ISPCA and MADRA
While decisive action is crucial to preventing further dog control incidents and protecting public safety, we do not support the government’s decision to introduce an XL Bully type ban in Ireland.
We remain deeply concerned about the effectiveness of this type of breed-based approach. Evidence from other jurisdictions consistently demonstrates that such bans fail to reduce dog bite incidents and instead present significant challenges for dog owners and the animal welfare sector.
As members of the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control, we have used our position to reiterate these views, and the supporting evidence, with Stakeholder Group members. We continue to urge the government to prioritise enforcing and adequately funding existing laws that address the root causes of dog aggression across all breeds and types of dog. This includes cracking down on unscrupulous breeders who prioritise profit over dog welfare and public safety, penalising irresponsible owners of dangerously out-of-control dogs, and educating and empowering responsible dog owners.
While we are disappointed with the approach the government is taking, we remain committed to continuing our work to advocate and ensure that the welfare of all dogs is protected.
Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, MADRA, ISPCA
For any press or media enquiries, please contact MADRA Director of Operations, Dawn Divilly at: dawn.divilly@madra.ie
15 July 2024 - Joint statement from Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, ISPCA and MADRA
MADRA is profoundly concerned by the announcement from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, to ban XL Bully dogs under new regulations to be introduced later this year.
In the light of recent tragic events, we recognise the political pressure to act swiftly to prevent similar events; however, in other countries such as the UK, breed-based bans have proven ineffective as a solution. From 1 October, rescues and local authority pounds will be unable to rehome XL Bully dogs thereby condemning them to a life in kennels or euthanasia, regardless of their history, health or temperament.
MADRA, alongside the other welfare groups on the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Dog Control Stakeholder Group, will continue to work closely together to advocate for dogs and press for realistic alternatives to this approach. Please see below a joint statement:
Ministerial Announcement to ban XL Bully Dogs – Joint statement from Dogs Trust, the Irish Blue Cross, MADRA and the ISPCA
The recent tragic death and further dog-related incidents are deeply distressing, and the people affected are in our thoughts.
Strong action is clearly needed to prevent further dog control incidents and to protect the public. However, we have serious concerns around the ineffective nature of breed-based banning legislation. Evidence has shown that breed-based bans are unsuccessful in reducing dog bites. For over 30 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act, covering England, Scotland and Wales, has focused on banning types of dogs and yet over the same period there has been an increase in dog bites.
Ireland has an opportunity to learn from other countries. We believe that the Government needs to focus on properly enforcing and resourcing the existing legislation, while also addressing the root causes of dog aggression across all breeds; dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before public safety, penalising irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control and educating and empowering responsible dog owners.
We urge the Minister to work with us to mitigate the challenging consequences of this decision to ban XL Bully dogs, which will have significant impacts on dogs, owners and the animal welfare sector.
Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, MADRA, ISPCA
For any press or media enquiries, please contact MADRA Director of Operations, Dawn Divilly at: dawn.divilly@madra.ie
