Full restrictions revealed as XL Bully ban set to be introduced next month

An XL Bully ban is set to introduced soon across Ireland, following a number of recent attacks by the breed.

The ban was initally announced in July 2024, when the Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys brought in the bill "in the interest of public safety".

The ban will formally come into place on October 1st, with these new regulations prohibiting the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs.

From February 1st, 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are currently subject to existing additional controls. This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.

All XL Bully dog owners will be able to apply for a Certificate of Exemption between October 1st, 2024 and January 31st, 2025. This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner. It will specify the dog’s licence details, microchip details, neutering details, age and description. It will also specify the dog owner’s name, address, date of birth and contact number.

Some animal rights groups have come out publicly against the XL Bully ban, with the ISPCA saying the change in legislation is "deeply worrying for responsible dog owners".

"A change in legislation would also make it illegal for animal charities like the ISPCA to rehome any banned dog breeds. The ISPCA have a total of 211 dogs in their care currently waiting for responsible new homes. Of those, 68 dogs are restricted breeds with 28 potentially falling under the definition of an XL Bully," the ISPCA said in a statement.

"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".