THE Government will today unveil a plan to outlaw the XL Bully in Ireland - starting with a ban on breeding and importing these dangerous dogs from October 1. Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys will completely ban XL Bully dogs from Ireland by February of next year. This dangerous breed of dog has already been outlawed in the UK and Northern Ireland and has been responsible for a number of high profile attacks in Ireland in recent years.
Earlier this year, 23-year-old Nicole Morey was killed by her own dogs at her home in Limerick – one of which was an XL Bully. In 2022, nine-year-old Alejandro Mizsan was left with serious facial scars after he was lucky to survive an attack from the same breed. Minister Humphreys put together a task force led by former Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey to examine Ireland’s dog laws.
The Irish Sun can reveal that the Government has decided to fast track an outright ban on XL Bully dogs and follow the UK and Northern Ireland’s lead. The first step will kick in from October 1 this year when breeding, rehoming, reselling or importing XL Bullies will be banned. The second stage will start from February 1, 2025, when there will be a full ban on owning an XL Bully unless you have a “certificate of exemption.
” Dog owners who currently have an XL Bully can get this certificate if they can prove they have a dog license, micro-chip and that their pet is neutered. This will essentially result in the end of of the breed in Ireland.
