Protest planned against new XL bully dog rules

Animal welfare groups are gearing up to protest against the upcoming ban on XL bully dogs in Dublin. The new legislation will make it illegal to breed, sell, rehome, or import these dogs starting from 1 October. The second phase of the rules, set for 1 February 2025, will ban owning XL bully dogs without a Certificate of Exemption.

While the ban is intended to address recent attacks, concerns have been raised about the fate of these dogs. Brenda Fitzpatrick from Working Animal Guardians Rescue emphasizes that breed bans do not effectively address the root of the issue. The misidentification of XL bullies also poses a challenge in rehoming them.

Veterinary officer James Madden notes a decline in demand for XL bully dogs and the difficulty in finding them new homes. Despite the regulations, responsible owners can seek exemptions. However, the fate of many XL bullies remains uncertain, as they may end up being abandoned.

Overall, the protest aims to highlight the ethical and welfare concerns surrounding the ban on XL bully dogs, emphasizing the importance of responsible ownership and proper care for all breeds.