A DUBLIN TD has blasted the XL Bully ban as “too extreme” and warned that “thousands” of dogs could be killed as a result of the crack-down.
Sinn Fein’s Chris Andrews called for a time extension to allow these dogs to “live out their natural lives”, warning that XL Bullies are a type of dog that is a combined variety of breeds.
The Irish Government said the ban is in the interest of public safety following a number of attacks by XL Bullies.
The first phase of the ban begins on October 1, 2024, when it will become illegal to import, breed or re-sell XL Bullies.
From February 1, 2025, owning an XL Bully in Ireland will be illegal.
Mr Andrews warned: “The ban on XL Bully dogs is causing panic and mayhem within dog rescue groups. A ban is too extreme.
“There are much more humane ways to deal with this.”
Mr Andrews said that we “need to see an amnesty” and a time extension so that these dogs can “live out their natural lives”.
He said: “Thousands of restricted dogs could be killed as a result of this ban because XLs are not a breed, they are a type of dog that is a variety of breeds.
“Therefore, deciding on which dog is killed is going to be subjective and arbitrary, and that is simply unacceptable.”
Mr Andrews noted that the mental health of dog rescue organisations is “on the floor”.
He said: “These organisations and those volunteering and working in rescue groups are very committed to dog welfare, and now the Minister wants them to do the very opposite of what is in their nature, namely, to oversee the killing of dogs.
“So many staff are devastated by what is to come. What dog will be next on the ban? 10 years ago, there were calls for other dogs to be banned.”
The Dublin Bay South TD met with the group Working Animal Guardians to discuss the ban.
He highlighted the importance of listening to these type of groups who have a huge amount of experience with dogs and in particular with XL bully dogs.
Mr Andrews continued: “This Government has been in place for five years and there has been no dent in the illegal puppy farms.
“I find it ironic that Ireland will have a wolfhound on its passports, given the State’s track record on animal welfare and this ban of XL bullies. We do not deserve to have a wolfhound on the Irish passport.”
ARE ANY DOG BREEDS BANNED IN IRELAND?
No breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland. But with certain breeds of dog, additional rules must be followed.
This applies to the following types of dog, as well as strains or cross-breeds of these breeds:
- American pit bull terrier
- English bull terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- Bull mastiff
- Dobermann pinscher
- German shepherd (Alsatian)
- Rhodesian ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Japanese akita
- Japanese tosa
- Bandog
In Ireland, restricted dogs or strains and crosses of them must be:
- Kept on a short strong lead of under two metres
- With someone over the age of 16, who is able to control them
- Muzzled when in a public place
- Wearing a collar with the name and address of their owner, at all times
But Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed more severe rules could be on the cards, saying: “I have asked the Group to examine the restricted breeds list, in line with actions being taken in the UK and Northern Ireland.
“I am committed to working with colleagues across Government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws.”
Mr Andrews urged the Minister of State to deal with the owners if there are issues.
He added: “Do not kill the dogs. We have to give an extension to these dogs. Do not introduce this extreme ban.
“Dogs should not pay the price for irresponsible owners. We have seen in other countries that bans do not work.”
A concerned charity, named Dogs Angels Ireland, has set up on GoFundMe to help send XL Bullies abroad to find a home before they are “euthanised”.
HORROR ATTACKS
Last week, an XL bully dog had to be put down after it attacked a man who was walking it for a jailed relative.
The man had been minding the animal as a favour for another man currently in prison when it turned on him in the Kilmore area of north Dublin, on Sunday.
It’s understood the pet may have eaten a plastic bag before biting the walker.
The dog – which weighed 55kgs – bit the walker twice as he struggled to restrain it during the attack on Ballyshannon Road.
The latest incident comes after two English bulldogs were put down after attacking the mother of their owner in Sallynoggin, south Dublin, on September 5.
On that occasion, the dogs were also later put down.
It’s also the latest dog attack after Limerick woman Nicole Morey was killed after two dogs attacked her at her home in Ballyneety.
The young woman had just celebrated her 23rd birthday when she was targeted.
One of the dogs, an XL bully, was shot dead at the scene by gardai.
