The controversy surrounding the ban on XL Bully dogs has reached new heights as the legislation officially took effect on February 1, 2025. The ban, aimed at public safety, has raised alarms about potential abandonment of the breed due to fears among owners about legal repercussions.
Animal shelter owner Chris Kelly, who operates the Coolronan Dog Rescue with his wife, Ramona Cunningham, expressed grave concerns about the imminent law. He fears many of the XL Bully dogs could be abandoned as owners panic about compliance. "They’re going to turn aggressive if anyone goes near them," he warned, alluding to the potential dangers of abandoning such dogs.
This new law makes it illegal to keep XL Bully dogs without a Certificate of Exemption, which requires owners to license, microchip, and neuter their pets. Failure to comply means owners could face penalties of up to €2,500 or three months of imprisonment. The regulations were first introduced after several attacks prompted fears over the safety of the public. The Department of Rural and Community Development announced the ban following heightened incidents of aggression linked to the breed.
Kelly’s sentiments are echoed by others involved with dogs. Kerry-Ann Pollock, who owns two XL Bullies, criticized the broad-brush approach to the ban, describing it as “a knee-jerk reaction.” Pollock emphasized, “I feel the dogs are very much being stereotyped, and the root cause of the problem is not really being dealt with.” She expressed frustration over what she perceives as misdirected accountability, saying, “Do you blame the dog, or is it the owner of the dog who needs to be held to account?”
Pollock is not alone. Reports indicate numerous former owners are rehoming their dogs because of the ban, as panic sets in about being unable to keep their pets. Alex Corrigan, a volunteer at My Lovely Horse rescue, noted, “We’ve seen a huge increase in bull breeds. People are trying to re-home their bull breeds because of the XL ban.”
The Court also confirmed the animal welfare charities seeking to challenge the ban—My Lovely Horse Rescue, Clare Animal Welfare, and others—argue the law is too vague and could lead to wrongful seizures of loved pets. According to Corrigan, they have witnessed numerous bullying-type dogs abandoned, which raises fears over their safety and continued well-being. “With this ban coming, they’re just being discarded like rubbish,” she lamented.
Former Minister Heather Humphreys, who championed the ban, justified the controversial legislation by recalling the serious attacks linked to XL Bullies, including the deeply troubling cases of nine-year-old Alejandro Mizsan, who sustained severe injuries, and the death of 23-year-old Nicole Morey, who succumbed to injuries from her own dogs. “No dog's life is worth more than human life,” Humphreys stated, illustrating the government’s stance on prioritizing public safety.
The structures of this prohibitive ban significantly depart from previous regulations, which allowed for restricted breeds but did not enforce outright bans. Following this change, any existing XL Bullies must be processed for certificates within specific deadlines to avoid punitive measures. The law marks the first time any dog breed has faced such comprehensive restrictions under Irish law.
The legal ramifications of this ban have created unrest among dog owners. Opponents of the ban highlight the irresponsible breeding practices as the core of dog aggression, arguing penalties should target irresponsible owners rather than entire breeds. Pollock articulated this sentiment clearly, stating, "I think dog breeding and backyard breeding is actually the root cause of the problem. I think the wrong end of the lead has been blamed for problems.”
The overall fear is the ban may inadvertently create more problems than it solves. Unsanctioned breeding might increase among those determined to keep these dogs. Those opposing the ban are concerned about XL Bullies being mixed with other breeds, potentially creating new exhilarating challenges for animal control and public safety.
Notably, the absence of specific safety nets for responsible owners exacerbates concern for the future of these dogs. Animal welfare groups argue this ban overlooks responsible ownership and sets back the efforts of those who have successfully rehabilitated dogs of this breed. They contend the legislation inadequately addresses the social responsibility needed to manage aggressive dogs.
With society caught at the crossroads of public safety and compassion for animal welfare, the aftermath of this legislative action remains uncertain. The High Court’s ruling on the welfare organizations’ challenge will prove pivotal as the conversation on dog ownership and rights continues to evolve.
While the ban aims to curtail the risks associated with XL Bully dogs, many argue it is the education of owners and stricter enforcement of responsible breeding practices rather than breed-specific legislation, which would yield more significant dividends for animal welfare and public safety.