The ban on XL bully dogs is set to come into effect

From Tuesday, October 1st, it will be illegal to import, breed, or to sell XL Bully dogs in Ireland.

Current owners can keep their pets but must obtain a Certificate of Exemption from their local authorities.

They will be allowed to keep their dogs until the end of their natural lives as long as they obtain this certificate from February 2025.

Minister for Rural Development Heather Humphries spoke out about the ban this week.

She believes it is in the public's best interest to ban this breed of dog.

She shared: "I am bringing these regulations into force in the interest of public safety following a number of horrific attacks by XL Bully dogs, which included the death of a young woman in Limerick."

"The XL Bully type dog was also responsible for an attack on a very small child in Kerry last month and the horrific attack on Alejandro Mizsan in Wexford in 2022," she added.

She is concerned that these attacks will continue if they don't take action now.

"I am concerned that if we do not take action now, the number of these dogs in the country will grow.

"My fear is that these attacks will become more frequent," she added.

"While I know that not everybody will agree with the ban, my ultimate priority is to protect public safety," she stressed.

There has been a mixed reaction to the ban with many owners saying it is incredibly unfair. Others have welcomed the move and believe it is a step in the right direction.

What do you think of the ban?

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