Owners warned about XL Bully exemptions
XL BULLY dog owners in South Dublin County can apply for a free certificate of exemption before new regulations banning XL Bully ownership are enacted.
From October 1, 2024, importing, breeding, selling and re-homing XL Bully type dogs in Ireland are forbidden.
From February 1, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a “Certificate of Exemption” issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.
South Dublin County Council released a form that XL Bully dog owners can use to apply for the certificate until January 31, 2025.
Along with the completed form, the owners will have to supply further documentation such as their proof of identity and address, a valid dog licence, and a microchipping certificate.
Only owners who had their XL Bully dog neutered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner can receive a certificate of exemption.
A Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form will also have to be completed and attached, countersigned by a veterinary.
An exception is made for those dogs who were determined medically unfit for neutering by a vet, which can be included in the same form.
Once the application is submitted, South Dublin County Council will come back to owners with either a Certificate of Exemption, a request for further information if needed, or a letter of refusal.
Reasons for refusals are notified in writing and owners are welcome to re-apply after having addressed them. If further applications are refused, and a Certificate of Exemption is not in place before February 1, 2025, owners will be required to surrender their dog to the Dog Warden.
Seizure and detention of dogs may involve An Garda Síochána.
If owners doubt whether their dog is an XL Bully, they can consult the Physical Conformation Standard published by the Government HERE.
Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations can be fined up to €2,500 or imprisoned for up to three months, under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
Their dog may be then seized and euthanised in a humane manner.
The Certificate of Exemption Application form and the Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status can be downloaded HERE, in the “Animal Welfare” section.
