XL bully ban 'won’t address the issue of dog attacks', say animal welfare bodies

The Government plans to ban XL bully dogs on a phased basis from October.

Animal welfare organisations have hit out at “deeply worrying” plans to ban XL bully dogs in Ireland and said that bans on specific breeds in the UK “simply have not worked”.

The ISPCA said the planned change in legislation is concerning for responsible dog owners and also for charities such as their own as it would make it illegal for them to re-home any banned dog breeds.

Last week, it emerged that the Government plans to ban XL bully dogs, which will happen on a phased basis from October.

Currently, the ISPCA have a total of 211 dogs in their care waiting for responsible new homes. This includes 68 restricted breeds with 28 potentially falling within the definition of an XL bully.

XL bully owners will be permitted to keep their dog if they receive a certificate of exemption which will be granted when their XL bully has a dog licence, is microchipped, and neutered.

The ban is being brought forward by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys following a spate of dog attacks in recent months, including one which led to the death of Nicole Morey in Limerick in June.

Currently, the ISPCA have a total of 211 dogs in their care waiting for responsible new homes. This includes 68 restricted breeds with 28 potentially falling within the definition of an XL bully.

XL bully owners will be permitted to keep their dog if they receive a certificate of exemption which will be granted when their XL bully has a dog licence, is microchipped, and neutered.

“The solution to this issue is much more complex than simply banning the breed, which won’t address the issue of dog attacks,” said ISPCA chief executive Dr Cyril Sullivan.

“We are calling on the minister to ensure that enforcement of the current dog control legislation is adequately resourced, and that the potential fall-out of this measure on animal welfare charities such as the ISPCA, is also addressed well in advance of any ban.

“The ISPCA can’t turn our back on any dog that needs to be rescued, regardless of its breed, and confining a dog to a kennel environment for the rest of its life, or euthanising a healthy dog, is just not an option.”