Close to 200 individuals congregated at St Stephen’s Green in Dublin, protesting against the incoming regulations related to XL bully dogs set to be implemented by the government next month. The total ban on these dogs will be operational starting February, under the new laws.
From the 1st of October, the initial stage of these regulations will be in effect, making the breeding, selling, importing, or re-homing of XL bully dogs illegal.
The subsequent stage will be implemented in the following year and will prohibit the ownership of an XL bully dog, unless the owner possesses an exemption certificate.
The need to introduce this law has been justified by numerous recent instances of these dogs causing harm, including a fatal injury to 23-year-old Nicole Morey in Ballyneety, Co Limerick in June, as well as several major incidents reported in Wexford and Waterford.
A memorable incident occurred when Alejandro Mizsan, aged nine, was severely injured by an XL Bully dog in Enniscorthy in November 2022, resulting in hospitalisation and substantial facial and limb wounds.
Animal welfare organisations such as the Working Animal Guardians – the protest organisers, along with Husky Rescue Ireland, the Haven Rescue, My Love Horse Rescue, Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), Dogs in Distress, the National Home Checkers for Rescues in Ireland, Offaly Men for XL Bullies and various independent rescuers participated in the protest, which was kept under surveillance by the police.
Protestors carried a multitude of placards urging the government to “Educate not discriminate,” “All dogs have the right to live their natural lifespan. Protect the XL Bully,” and “Who counselled Minister Humphreys?”
Brenda Fitzpatrick, representing the rescue organisation, Working Animal Guardians, addressed those in attendance expressing that animal welfare organisations stand as the advocates for countless animals across the country. In her speech, she pointed out that Gandhi asserted that the moral and social advancement of a nation can be gauged by its treatment of animals. Evaluating our own nation’s history and animal welfare policies, Fitzpatrick argued we’re sadly falling short, particularly where legislation enforcement is concerned. She recognised the struggle of those battling adverse situations to provide care and relief to a multitude of mistreated and unwanted animals.
One of the most disheartening periods for these organisations, Fitzpatrick recalled, was July of the previous year. It was at this time that Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, revealed her intention to enforce an unprecedented ban on a specific breed of dog, the XL Bully, in the region.
Fitzpatrick mentioned Humphreys’ numerous interviews with RTÉ, during which the Minister drew attention to her background in a Border county. Humphreys emphasised the importance of aligning regulations in the Border county and the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland.
Yet, Fitzpatrick questioned this logic, proposing that the UK’s policy regarding animals, in place since the early 1990s, has been unsuccessful. Fitzpatrick reminded those present of the location of their meeting, near the Theobald Wolfe Tone monument, a prominent figure in Irish republicanism known for advocating the development of distinct ideologies, cultures, and laws.
She argued against blindly adopting policies from neighbouring nations, particularly if those policies, such as the ban on XL bullies, have proven ineffective or harmful. Fitzpatrick highlighted the dismissal of numerous critics during stakeholders’ committee meetings.
She vehemently oppose the breed ban as morally, ethically, and humanely wrong. The anticipation of the ban has already resulted in dogs being abandoned, unable to find homes, and facing potential euthanisation. She predicted that this law will merely prompt negligent dog owners and unregulated breeders to switch their focus to a different high-profile breed.
The anticipated implementation of a new law has triggered concerns amongst animal charities as this might imply the euthanisation of hundreds of XL bully dogs that have been neglected or surrendered. Charities foresee the new regulations not deterring problematic behaviours but merely shifting the issue elsewhere. There is a strong call for a sustainable, humane strategy that protects all parties involved.
One of the concerned citizens is Andrew Sharman, who resides near Kells, Co Meath, and owns a three-year-old XL bully dog, Luna. Sharman, who is fully compliant with current guidelines, joined the protest in solidarity with others. The connection formed when they adopted Luna at four months old drove Sharman to research extensively about the breed. He remains dedicated to following regulations and is even prepared to bring the matter to court if necessary.
Tara Keogh, a DSPCA volunteer who attended the protest with her son, critiqued the government’s new categorisation of these dogs. She forecasts they will either have to be transported to Sweden or euthanised. Keogh argues these dogs can be rehomed and contends the DSPCA has requested the dogs be assessed for rehoming before resorting to euthanasia. Despite the impending deadline, she states there has been minimal communication from the government. The animal charities, she feels, will be left to shoulder the heavy burden of this scenario.
Her sentiments are echoed by her son Tadhg, who deems the legislation ridiculous and asserts there isn’t sufficient time to rehome the dogs since last July.