This is a blog post that we hoped we would never have to write, and one we’re sure no Bully owner in Ireland would ever want to read. Unfortunately, the ban on the XL Bully will be coming into force in the coming weeks. This blog post is to help Bully owners understand what will be required to ensure the safety of their dog after October 1^st. Another blog post will follow in due course explaining how the data shows that Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) doesn’t work.

Firstly, the two key dates to be aware of are October 1^st, 2024, and February 1^st, 2025. From October 1^st, the ownership, keeping, purchase, disposal (whether by sale or otherwise), abandonment, allowing to stray, breeding or importation of XL Bully type dogs will be banned. It is from this date until January 31^st, 2025, that an owner can apply for a certificate of exemption (CoE) for their dog. The enforcement of the ban will then come into full effect from February 1^st, 2025. This link to XL Bully Type Dog Regulation Ireland FAQs is direct from gov.ie (Ban on XL Bully dogs). This link (FAQs) is very comprehensive in answering the main concerns of XL Bully owners.

The form required to apply to your Local Authority for a certificate of exemption will become available after October 1^st, 2024. You will need to get the form from your local authority, fill in the required information (detailed below) and return it to your local authority. You will then either receive your certificate or a letter of refusal. Details of what to do in the case of a refusal letter are detailed in FAQs.

The most important factor to be aware of is the height restriction. Your dog must be measured at their withers (see the diagram below) and the height for a male is from 51cm and female from 48cm. If your dog is below these heights, they do not require a certificate of exemption (CoE) and are not considered an XL Bully type dog.

However, if your dog is at or above the aforementioned heights, there are ten guidelines in place that will be applicable to your dog following the acquisition of the CoE. There are other guidelines for determining whether your dog may be considered an ‘XL Bully type dog’, this link to Applying the XL Bully type physical conformation contains all the physical attributes of those dogs considered an ‘XL Bully type dog’. By signing your CoE, you are making a legal declaration that you will comply with the below:

1. Keep the dog at the address specified on the certificate, except for a maximum of 30 days per year.
2. Apply to your Local Authority for a revised Certificate of Exemption if you change address, excluding changes within the 30-day period mentioned above.
3. Notify your Local Authority of the dog’s death or export.
4. Keep the dog securely muzzled and on a short strong lead not exceeding 2 metres in length, when in a public place. Muzzling must adequately prevent the dog from biting, and the lead must be held by someone over the age of 16 years.
5. Ensure that the dog is accommodated in a premises that is secure, appropriate to its welfare, and in such a manner as to prevent the dog’s escape.
6. Provide access for reading the dog’s microchip upon request by an Authorised Officer.
7. Ensure that you are compliant with all other relevant legislation regarding dog ownership.
8. Provide the Certificate of Exemption to an Authorised Officer or member of An Garda Síochána within 10 days of their request.
9. If the dog is older than 18 months of age on 1 October 2024 and un-neutered, provide the Confirmation of Neutering Status Form countersigned by a registered veterinary practitioner by 30th June 2025.
10. If your dog is younger than 18 months of age, provide the Confirmation of Neutering Status Form countersigned by a registered veterinary practitioner within one month of neutering or before 1st July 2026 at latest.

If an owner is found to be non-compliant with any of the above, they may face their dog being seized and humanely euthanized as well as receiving a fine of up to €2500 as well as a potential prison sentence of up to 3 months.

The required documentation for you and your dog to acquire the CoE are as follows:

1. Copy of valid Dog Licence

2. Copy of Microchipping Certificate for the dog.

3. Copy of Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status (see below)

4. Photographic Proof of Identity (Copy of Passport, Drivers Licence, public services card etc.)

5. Proof of Address (Copy of Utility Bill or bank statement within previous 3 months etc.)

There is an exception to the above, regarding neutering, you will be able to submit a Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status form where your dog is determined by a Veterinary Practitioner to be medically unfit for neutering.

There are further details in the XL Bully Type Dog Regulation Ireland FAQs such as questions related to pups born between October 1^st and February 1^st and other questions regarding returning to Ireland from abroad with and XL Bully after February 1^st.

This is a quick link to what type of muzzle may suit your dog best, The Best Muzzle Options for XL Bully Breeds: A Comprehensive Guide. This will give you an idea of the best available muzzles to make life as pleasent as possible for your dog. Other things to consider are ensuring your garden/outdoor space is suitably enclosed to avoid your dog escaping and potentially being reported. It should also be noted that you must walk your dog on a short leash (less than 2m). Any teenagers under the age of 16 are not permitted to be in control of an XL Bully under the existing restricted breed legislation.

Putting in a little extra time into training your XL Bully if you have not already done so is even more crucial than ever, as people may now view your dog differently, regardless of their true nature due to the prevalence of negative and often sensationalist media coverage. Check out our list of dog trainers who can assist if needed here.

While many owners will feel as though this ban is not reflective of the true nature of the XL Bully, it is our responsibility to make sure that our dogs are kept safe and given the best chance at living a long happy life, in line with these new restrictions.