From October 1st 2024, new regulations ban the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs.
From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.
XL Bully owners will have between October 1st 2024 and 31st January 2025 to apply for a Certificate of Exemption in accordance with the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 491 of 2024). A Certificate of Exemption is issued by the Local Authority and authorises the owner of an XL Bully type dog to keep that dog at a particular premises until the natural end of the dog’s life.
After February 1st 2025 all XL Bully type dog owners should either be in possession of a Certificate of Exemption or have proof that they applied for a Certificate of Exemption.
Please contact Cork City council to apply for your certificate of exemption by email doglicence@corkcity.ie or call 021 492400. See their website for more information https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/dogs-animal-welfare/dogs-animal-welfare-boundary-faqs.html
If you are living in County Cork please contact the Cork County Council Dog Warden Services on 021 4285404 or email vets@corkcoco.ie to apply for your certificate of exemption.
Ensure your dog has the following prior to applying to your local authority:
- Dog Licence.
- Registered Microchip.
- Is neutered or spayed.
- Follows all restricted breed guidelines at all times. (Muzzled, on lead and in control of a person 16 years or over who is capable of handling the dog.) https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/dogs-animal-welfare/controlled-breeds.html
If you are unsure of how to measure your dog or whether your dog fits the profile of an XL Bully please contact us here at the CSPCA on 021 451 5534 or info@cspca.ie . If you are living in the Cork county please contact the Cork County Council Dog Warden Services on 021 4285404 or email vets@corkcoco.ie for guidance.
We would urge all owners to comply with these new regulations.
Photos sourced from www.themuzzlemovement.com
