Support for XL Bully owners

On 12 July 2024, the Minister for Rural Affairs and Community Development announced the intention to ban XL Bully dogs later this year.

We want to do what we can to support responsible owners of the dogs affected. Find out more below about what the ban means for owners, and what steps need to taken at this stage.  

We have also issued a joint statement with MADRA, ISPCA and the Irish Blue Cross about the ban.

You can find more information about the ban on the Government website. 

XL Bully ban: what to do if you own an XL Bully Dog

The Minister for Rural Affairs and Community Development, has announced that from 1st February 2025 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless the owner has been granted a Certificate of Exemption by their Local Authority.

Key dates to be aware of:

From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs.

From February 1st 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.

XL Bully owners will have between October 1st 2024 and (before) February 1st 2025 to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are already, and will continue to be, subject to the existing additional controls placed on all restricted breeds.

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. 

To apply for the Certificate of Exemption:

Your dog must be:

• Licenced 
• Microchipped 
• Neutered

Certificate of Exemption

This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner. It will list 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 allows 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 have a Certificate of Exemption or have proof that they applied for a Certificate of Exemption.

Owners may be asked to present their Certificate of Exemption to a Dog Warden within 10 Days of a request to do so.

How to apply for a Certificate of Exemption:

Owners should apply to their local authority after October 1st 2024.  

A list of all Local Authority websites is available here.

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 additional information if the application is missing any relevant information.

No fee will be charged for a Certificate of Exemption. 

Neutering Vouchers:

Dogs Trust has a limited number of neutering vouchers available for owners of XL Bully dogs who are struggling to afford the cost of neutering their dog. For more information on this scheme, please contact us on 01-8791000.