XL Bully Dogs

Ban on XL Bully Dogs

As of 1 October 2024, new regulations prohibited the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs. Owners who wish to keep their XL Bully type dog must apply to their Local Authority for a Certificate of Exemption before 1 February 2025. This deadline has now passed. 

There is scope to facilitate owners of dogs who have been resident in Ireland previously, who are now living outside of Ireland, and who are returning to become resident in Ireland, to obtain a Certificate of Exemption provided they can provide documentary evidence that they were the owner of the dog before 1 October 2024.

This certificate is unique to each dog and its owner, specifying details of the dog’s licence, microchip, neutering, age and description. It will also feature the owner’s details.

Further information in respect of the ban on XL Bully dogs is available on gov.ie.