The ISPCA is highlighting their concerns about the recent announcement from the Minister for Rural and Community Development and local TD, Heather Humphreys, outlining a plan for XL Bully dogs to be banned, under new regulations to be introduced later this year, implemented in two phases between October and February.
This change in legislation is deeply worrying for responsible dog owners who already comply with the legislation, but 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.
ISPCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Cyril Sullivan said: “While we are deeply disappointed to hear the announcement today, we recognise the political pressure on the Minister to act, especially with a similar ban coming into force in the UK and Northern Ireland, bans on specific breeds that have been in place in the UK for over 30 years, simply have not worked. The solution to this issue is much more complex than simply banning the breed, which won’t address the issue of dog attacks. 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”.
Cyril added: “There is a real risk of dog abandonment of this breed following a ban, and the ISPCA’s own Animal Rehabilitation Centres are already full, as are many other rescue groups around the country and rehoming challenges is already a serious issue. The ISPCA is always advocating for responsible dog ownership, and we should be looking at stricter controls and stronger enforcement of the dog control legislation already in place. The message is simple, if you own a dog, you must be a responsible dog owner, or face prosecution”.
The Minister has established a working group on the implementation of the XL bully breed ban, and Dr Sullivan has been appointed on this group.
The ISPCA saw an increase in the number of bully breeds coming into its care through the work of its Inspectors over the past number of years, corresponding with a rise in their popularity, particularly around the time of the pandemic. That popularity has peaked and there has been less demand for these breeds in recent times, making it more challenging for the ISPCA to find suitable homes for such dogs that do come into ISPCA care. With the proposed ban, there will be an inevitable reduction in homes available for rehoming, along with reduced kennel space to admit additional rescued dogs into ISPCA care.
The ISPCA remains committed to promoting the welfare of all animals and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all dogs, regardless of their breed, are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.
