Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Community Development, will debate this week about issuing a ban on the XL Bully crossbreed dog with a shareholder group assigned to dog control. Anticipated to offer counsel to the Minister on effective implementation of such prohibition, the group was formed to evaluate policy and legislative dimensions of the Dog Control Act and Dog Breeding Establishment Act. This follows grave occurrences involving XL bullies, including the recent lethal assault on Nicole Morey, a resident of Limerick.
From July 1st, a similar prohibition on the XL Bully crossbreed will become operative in the northern regions and in England. During a discussion within the Dáil this week, the Minister emphasised the importance of harmonisation with Northern Ireland’s regulations, negating redundant contradiction across borders.
Despite the decision, she pointed out the necessity for strategic planning in terms of supervision of the ban, and its realistic implications. Referring to successful implementations in Denmark and France, she aims at deriving insights for the proposed ban.
She voiced her concerns over the damage caused by XL Bullies, linking it to their locked jaws during attacks, making it impossible to fend them off. She questioned the reasons for ownership of such aggressive and potentially dangerous breeds.
The Minister is in discussions with the Attorney General about the issue and depending on the method used, regulation or legislation, the ban could be implemented swiftly or could take more time to bring into effect.