XL Bully Ban

On July 12th 2024 a ban on XL bullies was announced by Minister Heather Humphreys and her office at the Department of Rural and Community Development. You can read the announcement here.

You can read The Irish Blue Cross statement regarding this ban here.

Summary of new law:

From October 1st 2024 it will be illegal to import, breed, re-sell or re-home an XL Bully.

From February 1st 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless you have a Certificate of Exemption.

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.

How do I get a Certificate of Exemption?

To get a Certificate of Exemption, your dog must be:

Licenced
Microchipped
Neutered

You will be able to apply for a certificate between October 1st 2024 and February 1st 2025.

Applying for a Certificate of Exemption

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.

Documentation needed for a Certificate of Exemption application

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.).

5. Proof of Address (copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous 3 months etc.).

Neutering

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.

Dog Microchipping

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 click here.

If you’re unsure if your dog is microchipped, ask your vet to scan your dog for a Microchip.

What is an XL bully?

An American bully XL, known as an XL bully, is the largest of the American bully types. They are a type of dog that has been bred from several different dog breeds.

How is an XL bully ‘type’ defined?

The only legally recognised method of identification of your dog as an XL Bully Type in Ireland is by use of the Physical Conformation Standard. Owners should use this standard to determine if their dog is covered by the ban.

What are the height requirements to be considered an XL Bully type dog?
The minimum height requirement for an adult male is from 51cm (20 inches) at the withers* and for an adult female from 48cm (19 inches) at the withers*. Measure from the ground to the tops of the shoulders of your dog.

*Withers = the highest point of body immediately behind the neck where height is measured.
It should be noted that if the minimum height requirement is not met then your dog is not considered an XL Bully type dog and no further assessment is needed.

How to measure your dogs height;

How can I find out more?

The regulations for the ‘XL Bully Ban’ are laid out on the Department of Rural and community Development website here.

What happens if I break the rules?

If you don’t follow the rules of the ban, you could be:

Fined up to €2,500
Imprisoned for up to 3 months
Both fined and imprisoned
Your dog can be seized an put to sleep

If you don’t have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog by 1 February 2025, your dog can be seized and put down.

XL Bully Ban – All You Need To Know