Andrews calls XL bully ban “populist”

Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews has called the ban on XL bullies “populist” which lets irresponsible dog owners “off the hook.”

Speaking in the Seanad, the recently elected Senator said the ban, which came into place on February 1, merely “cherry-picked” elements of the same law which was implemented in Northern Ireland.

“The government said it wanted to keep the law in unison with a similar law north of the Border. However, it did not copy the process that exists north of the Border but cherry-picked elements of the process.”

He stated that without an appeals process, “dogs have been killed on the word of a dog warden, who has no expertise in determining whether a dog is an XL bully.”

“If we are going to implement a ban and, as a result, kill many dogs, we need to have at least an appeals process.”

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary stated that owners had ample opportunity to receive a certificate of exemption if they owned an XL bully, with owners able to apply for a certificate between October 1 and February 1.

He added, “it is the owner’s responsibility to determine if their dog is covered by the ban.”

The Fianna Fáil Minister stated that where the court determines the dog is dangerous and is not kept under proper control, the court may, in addition to any other penalty it may impose, order that the dog be kept under proper control.

“It is a matter for the court to determine who is liable for costs in such cases; that puts the emphasis back on the owner,” he explained.

As for the appeals process, Calleary said that issue was a matter for the Department Of Agriculture but would take Andrews’ feedback into account.

Andrews welcomed that an appeals process is in place but it took a joint effort by six dog welfare groups to pressure the government into introducing it. 

“If that had not been done, an appeals process would not have been introduced. It is extremely unfair. There is a great deal of dog welfare legislation, almost none of which is enforced.”

Andrews stated, “we are the puppy farm capital of the world. This government has to do better. It should not be as populist as the previous Government. I ask the government to take a dog-welfare-centred approach to animal welfare.

Calleary confirmed that the Department of Social Protection will launch a national awareness campaign in the coming weeks to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.

“We have to remember the dog owner has serious responsibilities in every setting, particularly rural settings at the moment as we are in lambing season.”

He agreed with Andrews that the responsibility should lie with every dog owner.

“I very much believe that when you take on a dog it is a matter of fantastic responsibility,” he said.

“With the ban, however, the dog is being punished,” Andrews retorted.

Andrews raised the issue in the Dáil last October, saying “Ireland’s animal welfare and dog welfare record is appalling.”

At the time, Andrews said, “The government’s ban on XL bully dogs has resulted in dog rescue groups being overwhelmed on so many levels” and said that the term “XL” in terms of dog breed is not straightforward. 

January’s meeting of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council heard a motion from Fine Gael councillors who called for council management to defer the February

Speaking at the meeting, Fine Gael’s Maurice Dockrell said “I am quite dissatisfied” with the answer received from management about what constitutes a restricted breed in the context of the ban, saying the approach was “slapdash.”

“I don’t want to be too insulting about it, but I asked for a report and asked for evidence with the report and I just got a recycled answer of what the law is.”

“I would like to endorse responsible dog ownership, which I think is important,” he said.

Dockrell, who first brought the motion forward, said that the criteria of what qualifies for a restricted dog breed are too broad, especially in the context of the XL bully.

The law was introduced by former Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys, who said the regulations are being brought into place “in the interest of public safety.”

The former Minister for Social Protection said, “I am concerned that if we do not take action now, the number of these dogs in the country will grow and my fear is that these attacks will become more frequent.”

Humphreys was speaking after a spate of high-profile attacks involving the breed in Ireland and followed in the footsteps of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who brought in a similar ban on the breed in early 2024.

“While I know not everybody will agree with the ban, my ultimate priority is to protect public safety” Humphreys said at the time.

“For existing owners of XL Bully Dogs, provided they take the necessary steps and obtain a Certificate of Exemption, they will be permitted to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.”