Kilkenny-Carlow TD 'wholeheartedly welcomes' ban on XL Bully dogs

Fianna Fáil TD for Kilkenny-Carlow, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has welcomed regulations being signed to ban XL Bully dogs in Ireland.

It is now illegal to import, breed or re-sell XL Bully dogs. There will be ban on ownership from February 1, 2025 with owners required to obtain a 'Certificate of Exemption' to keep existing dogs.

Deputy Murnane O’Connor said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the Government signing new rules, the ‘Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024’ that will introduce a ban on XL Bully type dogs in Ireland being signed by Government.

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“XL Bully dogs are a huge public safety concern. There have been a number of horrific attacks on people by XL Bully dogs. One of these attacks led to the death of a young woman in Limerick. These dogs need to be regulated, otherwise I worry these types of attacks will continue to occur. That is why I am pleased that the Government is taking action.”

Owners of existing XL Bully dogs will be able to apply for a certificate of exemption from their local authority subject to the dog being licensed, microchipped and neutered. There will be no fee for the certificate of exemption.

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