Publication
Ban on XL Bully dogs
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are subject to the existing additional controls.
This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.
New ownership rules are being introduced to protect public safety following a number of attacks by XL Bully type dogs.
Similar measures have recently been announced in both the UK and Northern Ireland.
Owners that wish to keep their XL Bully type dog must apply for a Certificate of Exemption before 1st February 2025. The Certificate of Exemption will allow them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.
After the February 1st 2025 owners of an XL Bully type dog that have a Certificate of Exemption must continue to meet the relevant criteria required to obtain the Certificate of Exemption.
This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner. It will specify the dog’s licence details, microchip details, neutering details, age and description. It will also specify the dog owner’s name, address, date of birth and contact number.
A Certificate of Exemption is issued by the Local Authority and authorises the owner of an XL Bully type dog to keep that dog at a particular premises until the natural end of the dog’s life.
After February 1st 2025 all XL Bully type dog owners should either be in possession of a Certificate of Exemption or have proof that they applied for a Certificate of Exemption.
Owners may be required to present their Certificate of Exemption to a Dog Warden within 10 Days of a request to do so.
Owners must apply to their local authority after October 1st 2024. This webpage will provide links to the relevant areas of all Local Authority websites after October 1st 2024.
The completed form should be sent by post or email to the relevant local authority.
The Local Authority will process the application and send either:
- A Certificate of Exemption,
- A Letter of Refusal,
- Request for further information should the application be missing any relevant information.
No fee will be charged for a Certificate of Exemption.
The following documentation should be included with the application;
1. Copy of valid dog licence;
2. Copy of microchipping certificate for the dog;
3. Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form (see below);
4. Photographic proof of identity (copy of passport, drivers licence, public services card etc.); and
5. Proof of Address (copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous 3 months etc.).
Owners must arrange to have their XL Bully type dog neutered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner in order to receive a Certificate of Exemption. Neutering of the XL Bully type dog must be carried out through castration if it’s male or spaying if it’s female.
Once the dog has been neutered, owners must complete a Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form .
This form must be countersigned by a vet and forwarded to the Local Authority by post or email.
A Certificate of Exemption will not be granted until the Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form has been received by the Local Authority.
Owners will be able to submit a Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form where their dog is determined by a vet to be medically unfit for neutering.
It is a legal requirement in Ireland to have all dogs implanted with a microchip and registered on an approved database by the time they are 12 weeks old.
For more information on micro-chipping and registration of your dog, please consult this gov.ie page on a dog owner's legal responsibilities.
If you're unsure if your dog is microchipped, ask your vet to scan your dog for a Microchip.
If an application for a Certificate of Exemption is refused for any reason, the owner will be notified in writing by their local authority. Such owners may re-apply, addressing the reasons for refusal.
If further applications are refused, and a certificate of exemption is not in place before February 1st 2025, owners may be required to surrender their dog to the Local Authority Dog Warden.
The seizure and detention of any dogs may involve both the Dog Warden and An Garda Síochána.
The XL Bully type dog is a variant of the wider American Bully breed type. The XL Bully type dog is typically larger (both in terms of height and body shape) and more muscular than other American Bully breed types such as the ‘Micro’, ‘Pocket’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Classic’.
Owners should use the Physical Conformation Standard to determine if their dog is an XL Bully type.
It is the owner’s responsibility to determine if their dog is covered by the ban.
If owners think their dog could be an XL Bully type dog, they should comply with all new requirements.
More information on the definition of an XL Bully type dog is in the Technical Frequently Asked Questions document below.
Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
The dog may be seized and euthanized in a humane manner and the owner will be subject to the penalties outlined in that Act:
A fine of up to €2,500, or imprisonment of a term of up to 3 months, or both.
The regulation will provide for applications for Certificates of Exemption after February 1st 2025 in exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.
This will specifically facilitate any owner who wishes to enter Ireland after a period abroad and is only for owners who can prove they owned the dog prior to October 1st 2024.
Such evidence could include but is not limited to; dog licence, certificate of exemption or microchipping details from other jurisdictions, dog veterinary records, or a receipt of purchase.
Detailed answers to frequently asked questions can be found in this document:
