Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2024
589. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in relation to the Government-proposed ban on XL bully dogs, she will publish full details in relation to this, including information about whether exports will be banned. [38759/24]
View answerThe XL Bully type dog ban comes into force in two stages beginning today, the 1st October 2024, with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.
The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully type dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life. There will be no application fee for the Certificate of Exemption.
Following engagement with Animal Welfare organisations and shelters, existing XL Bully type dogs already in these facilities on 1st October can be rehomed or exported subject to strict criteria until 1st February 2025.
All XL Bully type dogs must have a Certificate of Exemption or proof of application for the Certificate of Exemption after the 1st February 2025, including those that are in the care of shelters/animal welfare organisations.
All XL Bully type dog owners will be required to licence, microchip and neuter their dogs. Further information on the XL Bully type dog ban, including the criteria to qualify and the documentation required to be provided by the owner with their application for a Certificate of Exemption, is available on gov.ie/xlbully.
Once a dog has a Certificate of Exemption, its owner (including a shelter/animal welfare organisation) may keep the dog until the end of its natural life. The regulations do not prohibit the export of XL Bully type dogs. If an owner (including a shelter/animal welfare organisation) chooses to export an XL Bully type dog, they are required under the regulations to give notice in writing to the local authority that issued the Certificate of Exemption not later than 30 days after such export.
