XL Bully Breed Ban
On 12th July 2024, the Minister for Rural Affairs and Community Development announced plans to implement a ban on XL Bully dogs later this year.
Starting from 1st October 2024, new legislation in Ireland will make it illegal to breed, sell, or import XL Bully dogs. Animal Welfare charities and shelters with existing XL Bully dogs already in their facilities on October 1st will be permitted to rehome or export these dogs until February 1st 2025.
From 1st February 2025, it will also be unlawful to own an XL Bully dog unless the owner has obtained a Certificate of Exemption issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.
The DRCD’s (Department of Rural & Community Development) has a Dog Neutering Voucher Scheme to support members of disadvantaged communities (T&Cs apply) that wish to neuter their dogs but cannot afford to do so and has a particular focus on, and priority for, XL Bully type dogs before the 1st of February 2025.
To find out more about the XL-Bully Neutering Scheme, please email the ISPCA as soon as possible at [email protected] or contact an affiliated member near you.
To apply for the Certificate of Exemption:
Your dog must be:
- Licenced
- Microchipped
- Neutered
This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.
We are committed to supporting responsible owners of the affected dogs. Below, you can learn more about the implications of the ban for owners and the necessary steps to take at this point.
We have issued a joint statement with Dogs Trust, MADRA, and the Irish Blue Cross about the ban. Click here to read.