Joint Statement on the XL Bully Ban in Ireland

While decisive action is crucial to preventing further dog control incidents and protecting public safety, we remain deeply concerned about the effectiveness of this breed-based ban of XL Bully-type dogs in Ireland. 
 

There is consistent evidence that breed bans fail to reduce the number of dog bite incidents and instead present significant challenges for dog owners and the animal welfare sector. We have continued to reiterate these views as members of the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control. 
 

We urge the government to now prioritise enforcing and adequately funding laws that address the root causes of dog aggression across all breeds and types of dog. This includes tackling unscrupulous breeders, penalising irresponsible owners of dangerously out-of-control dogs, and educating and empowering responsible dog owners.
 

For more information and resources please visit our websites.

Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, the ISPCA and MADRA.