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Tag: XL Bully

  • Ireland Implements first stage of XL Bully ban: Key changes starting from October 1st

    Ireland Implements first stage of XL Bully ban: Key changes starting from October 1st

    Ireland has officially implemented a ban on XL Bully dogs, which came into effect on October 1st, 2024. The ban was introduced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys in response to a series of high-profile attacks involving the breed. 

      Banners at XL Bully ban protest. Photo by Sandra Dudkiewicz 

    The ban will be enforced in two phases. As of October 1, 2024, it is illegal to import, breed, sell, or rehome XL Bully dogs. From February 1, 2025, it will also become illegal to own an XL Bully unless the owner has obtained a ‘Certificate of Exemption’. 

    This certificate will allow owners to keep their current XL Bully dogs, provided they meet certain criteria such as licensing, neutering, and microchipping the animal. 

    A deadline of February 2025 has been set for animal welfare groups and shelters to rehome or export XL Bullies already in their care. 

    The decision has generated debate, with some supporting the move as a necessary measure for public safety, while others, including animal rights groups, express concerns about the future of these dogs and the impact on shelters 

    A joint statement published by Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, MADRA, and the ISPCA states that they will continue to urge the government to prioritize enforcing and adequately funding existing laws that address the root causes of dog aggression across all breeds and types of dogs. 

    This includes cracking down on unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over dog welfare and public safety, penalizing 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,” the statement said. 

    Sister of Nicole Morey who was tragically killed by an XL Bully earlier in June this year spoke to RTE news and expressed that the ban is not enough and fears that there will be more accidents linked to the breed. 

    “I think there should be a stricter law brought in. They’re dangerous dogs. They’re not small little puppies. They’re not dogs that you could just mess around with. They can just switch in two seconds,” she said. 

    Earlier in September almost 200 people attended a protest at Stephans Green in Dublin following the news of the new regulations related to the breed. 

    XL Bully owner and attendee Wiktoria Kumorek spoke to The City. “It truly breaks my heart it is unfair that these dogs are being judged solely on their appearance. My dog is gentle, and affectionate and with proper training and care, they are no more dangerous than any other large dogs.” 

    “The problem is not the breed, it is irresponsible ownership just like with any other dog or animal,” she added. 

    XL Bully ban protests in September in Trinty Point. Photo by Sandra Dudkiewicz 

  • Worry spreads among Irish XL bulldog owners – will the UK’s ban on the breed cross overseas? 

    By Taylor Mooney 

    Irish XL bully dog owners express concern over the UK’s ban on the breed following Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the dogs are “a danger to the community.” 

    Image: Megan Pryor

    Concern is growing across Ireland and the UK as the Prime Minister calls for the breed to be banned.  

    The Southeast Inner-City Councillor Mannix Flynn expressed his concerns to the Chief Executive at a Dublin Council meeting earlier this week.  

    He asked the Chief Executive to initiate a review of how many XL Bully dogs are now in the Dublin City Council-administrated areas.  

    “Having clear tabs on the number of XL Bully dogs and owners in an area is one way to manage the breed if people are worried about the threat they pose to a community,” said XL Bully dog owner Megan Pryor.  

    Since Sunak’s announcement, Pryor has taken to the social media platform TikTok to showcase her loving “best friend,” Torvi, a 9-month-old XL Bully, who she fears she might lose in future, as no clear information has been given to XL Bully owners since the ban was first announced.  

    “We haven’t got any information from the government about their plans and what is going to happen to us families with XL Bully dogs.  

    “Hopefully, it will be a case that clear regulations will be put into place – including a registry on who owns these dogs so that the government and our communities can know these breeds are owned and existing.” she said.  

    Chief Executive of Dublin City Council spoke for Dublin saying; “There is currently no database in Dublin to provide figures in any given Local Authority Area other than the register of dogs held at the municipal shelters. Microchips are held by 4 separate organisations making it very difficult to get an overall picture of breeds in any particular area.”  

    Pryor explained how the temperament of these dogs is something every owner should get used to, and that owners should be held responsible for their dogs. 

    “It is the owner’s responsibility to know their dogs and how to properly train them. I’m starting to muzzle-train Torvi and I’ll have her wear a muzzle on walks outside. It would be irresponsible of me if I didn’t.”  

    At the Council Meeting, Councillor Mannix Flynn also called for the Chief Executive to outline the potentially dangerous threats of this breed on a community. 

    “The XL Bully is an extremely powerful dog with a perceived tendency towards aggression and for that reason is defined as a Ban Dog under the S.I. No. 123/1991 – Control of Dogs Regulations.” answered the Chief Executive.  

    Image: Megan Pryor

    The UK’s ban on the breed came after several vicious attacks, including one incident where a man was mauled to death in Walsall last month. Sunak said he “shared the nations horror” and that he was working with experts to define the breed.  

    “My son is 8 months old, and Torvi is 9 months old, and they’re besotted by each other,” said Pryor.  

    “[Torvi] is great with my son and will always cuddle up to him when he’s crying or try to get into his bouncer with him, they’re great,” she added.  

    The ban will be implemented in the UK at the end of the year and will see all domestic and criminal gang-related American XL bully dog owners affected.