GUIDE: Ireland's laws on XL bully dogs as UK introduces new ban

A new XL Bully ban has taken effect in England and Wales, prompting thousands of objections by fans of the breed across the UK and Ireland. 

It is now illegal (as of December 31 2023) to rehome, sell or transfer ownership of the breed, and they must be muzzled and kept on a leash while in public spaces. 

Animal welfare charities have criticised the new rules, with the RSPCA particularly highlighting the "broad legal definition" of an XL Bully dog. 

According to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a suspected XL Bully does not need to fit the physical description perfectly. 

If a dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of these characteristics, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.

This includes dogs not sold as XL Bully breeds, and cross breeds that look more like XL Bully dogs than any other type of dog. 

Owners in England and Wales have until January 31 to apply for a certificate of exemption if they want to keep their pet, which involves having the animal neutered, microchipped and covered by third-party liability insurance. 

From then, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL bully without one. 

Although no breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland, a number of Irish people have called for an XL Bully ban following the horrific mauling of a young Wexford boy last year, as well as two women in Waterford. 

Certain breeds of dog - including cross-breeds - are restricted in Ireland, meaning they must be muzzled in public, kept on a short strong lead (under 2m) by someone over the age of 16 who can control them, and collared with the name and address of their owner. 

These rules do not apply to dogs used by the Gardaí, the Dublin Harbour Police, State Airport Police and rescue teams in rescue operations.

The rules on muzzling do not apply to guide dogs for the blind. 

Restricted dogs in Ireland include the American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, German shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, and Ban-dog (a cross or mix of any of the other breeds). 

However, according to Dogs.ie, local housing authorities or private apartment buildings around the country may ban or limit certain dogs from being kept; Dublin City Council banned ten dog breeds in 2007, including the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Doberman Pinscher. 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, responded to a query from Deputy Catherine Martin during a Dáil Éireann debate in September 2023 on the inclusion of the Presa Conario on the restricted breeds list. 

She said, "This list has not been updated in recent years. My Department is proposing to include the Presa Canario breed of dog in the list of restricted dogs, and may make other changes to the list if appropriate. This work will be done in the context of updates to the primary legislation in the months ahead and in consultation with stakeholders." 

In November 2023, the minister confirmed the formation of a stakeholder group to examine expanding Ireland's list of restricted breeds. 

Although the XL Bully is not currently on the list, it is expected to be added. 

She said, "While not pre-empting the work of the group, I do note decisions taken by the UK in terms of restricting certain dangerous breeds by the end the year. 

"I think it is only appropriate that our own stakeholder group consider the merits of adopting a similar approach here, particularly in light of recent worrying incidents whereby people and livestock have been attacked." 

The minister also tripled dog control fines in a bid to increase enforcement; a fine of €300 can be issued for a restricted dog who is not properly controlled, while a fine of €200 can be issued for incorrect/no collar or ID.