XL Bully Ban in the Spotlight as Humphreys Briefs Cabinet
This morning during the Cabinet meeting, Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, will outline her strategies for implementing an XL Bully ban. The choice was made in response to several severe attacks involving the breed, which raised considerable issues with public safety. Humphreys will sign regulations that will ban ownership of XL Bully-type dogs in a phased manner.
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Key Details of the XL Bully Ban
It will be unlawful to import, breed, sell, or find new homes for XL Bully dogs in Ireland as of Tuesday. This initial stage of the XL Bully ban is aimed at curbing the spread of a breed that has been linked to multiple dangerous incidents. These limitations will open the door for additional rules that are scheduled to be implemented the following year.
Owning these pets will be illegal as of February 1, 2025, unless the owner gets a Certificate of Exemption. The dog must have a licence, be microchipped, and have been spayed in order to obtain this certificate, which is provided by the local government for free. The new certification system is a critical component of the XL Bully ban, designed to regulate existing ownership and enhance public safety.
The laws came about as a result of talks between Ms. Humphreys and retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, who chaired the advisory committee responsible for implementing the ban. This committee was tasked with drafting a strategy that would ensure the XL Bully ban is effective and enforceable.
Why the Ban is Necessary
Humphreys will stress to the Cabinet that the ban is essential to safeguard the public. She will cite recent high-profile incidents that highlight the danger posed by these dogs. One tragic case involved the death of Nicole Morey in Limerick, while another attack on a small child in County Kerry last month served as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with the breed.
In addition to these incidents, Ms. Humphreys is expected to reference the attack on Alejandro Mizsan in Wexford last year, which further underscored the breed’s threat. These cases prompted the minister to advocate for strong action. She will also emphasise that Ireland must not lag behind neighbouring jurisdictions, such as Northern Ireland and the UK, which have already moved to restrict the breed.
On Thursday, a group representing organisations that support dogs and animals staged a protest in Dublin’s city centre. They walked from St. Stephen’s Green to the Dáil, voicing their opposition to the XL Bully ban. The protestors called on the Government to improve existing dog laws instead of imposing a blanket ban on certain breeds.
The protest highlighted the concerns of animal welfare advocates who fear the ban could result in a surge of abandoned dogs. There is a growing fear that a rise in abandoned and mistreated animals may result from dog owners’ inability to comply with the new restrictions.
Opposition from Political Figures
The Dáil heard requests for a prolongation of the ban’s duration or for an amnesty earlier this week. Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews criticised the XL Bully ban as a drastic measure that has created panic and confusion among dog owners. He warned that the ban could lead to thousands of dogs being put down if not properly managed.
Green Party’s Neasa Hourigan also called for a delay, stating that there were still too many unanswered questions about how the ban would be implemented. She urged the Government to adopt a more nuanced approach that considers the welfare of both dogs and their owners.
Despite the opposition, Minister of State Thomas Byrne defended the decision, arguing that public safety must come first. Byrne insisted that the ban was necessary given the rising number of dangerous incidents involving XL Bullys. He confirmed that the ban would be enforced as planned, regardless of opposition.
This decision represents a major step in the Government’s efforts to address the growing concerns around dangerous dog breeds. Ms. Humphreys first proposed the XL Bully ban in July after a string of attacks linked to the breed. She stated that the ban would be implemented in two stages: the first focusing on stopping new ownership, and the second regulating existing ownership through certification.
Once the second phase begins on 1 February 2025, all current XL Bully owners will be required to secure a Certificate of Exemption. This certificate will verify that the dog is microchipped, licensed, and neutered, and that the owner has taken the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of attacks. Failure to comply will result in the dog being seized and potentially euthanized.
The prospect of widespread euthanisations has alarmed animal welfare organisations and some members of the public. Experts, including the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), have expressed concern that the ban could lead to a spike in abandoned dogs or drive the breeding of XL Bullys underground.
Dog behaviourists have also voiced reservations, arguing that a breed-specific ban will not address the core issue. Suzi Walsh, a prominent dog behaviourist, noted earlier this year that banning certain breeds is unlikely to prevent attacks. She underlined that rather than focusing on a particular breed, the emphasis should be on appropriate ownership and training.
However, Ms. Humphreys has stood by her decision, citing the tragic incidents that have occurred in Ireland and abroad. While acknowledging the concerns raised by animal welfare advocates, she maintains that public safety must be the top priority. In a related move, Taoiseach Simon Harris is anticipated to provide the Cabinet with an update on the Dublin City Taskforce’s activities.
The group, which focuses on rejuvenating the city centre, is set to publish a report in two weeks.
The Taoiseach intends to make an announcement regarding the installation of more CCTV cameras in Dublin’s north inner city prior to the report. These cameras will be placed in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour in an effort to improve safety for residents and visitors alike.
The push for more CCTV coverage comes amid concerns about rising crime rates in parts of the city. The government hopes that the increased surveillance will deter criminal activity and help law enforcement respond more swiftly to incidents.
The debate over the XL Bully ban and broader public safety issues are likely to continue as the new regulations take effect. While the government is determined to move forward, there are still many questions about the impact of the ban and how it will be enforced.
