New regulations are being put forward to ban the importation, breeding and selling of XL bully dogs from October 1st.
In July, Minister Heather Humphreys proposed that the imposing muscular canine breed would be banned after a spate of attacks.
The ban will be imposed in two phases, beginning with a ban on the sale, breeding and importation beginning next month.
Minister Humphreys has informed a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting that she’s prepared a memo cabinet outlining the full regulations for the first phase of the ban.
From 1 February 2025, it will be illegal to own unless the owner has a such a breed without Certificate of Exemption.
That piece of paper will ensure that the owner has a licence for the dog and that the animal is micro-chipped and neutered.
After this date, any owner not compliant with the new regulations will have the best mate seized and euthanised by official order.
The ISPCA has expressed concerned over potential increases in dog abandonments as a result of the ban.
Many animal behavioural experts say the new regulations are unfair while experts have said the issue is with training for the owner of the dogs.
Minister Humphreys said the measure are being taken “in the interest of public safety” following a number of vicious attacks, including the horrific death of 23-year-old Nicole Morey who died earlier this year in Co. Limerick.
