Call for XL bully crackdown in Republic following fatal attack

The Republic has been urged to follow England’s lead in banning the XL bully breed following a fatal dog attack in Co Limerick.

Nicole Morey 23, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene of the attack in Ballyneety, County Limerick, on June 4.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One James Madden, who is also a vet, advocated for a ban similar the one currently in force in the UK.

“I think we should consider introducing a ban on the XL bully as has been introduced in the UK. Currently in Northern Ireland there’s a ban coming on the XL bully. I think we should follow the same route,” Mr Madden said.

Currently no dog breed is banned in Ireland – unlike in Britain – where it is a criminal offence to own an XL bully unless the owner has a valid exemption certificate.

However, there are a number of breeds in Ireland, XL bullies among them, that are restricted.

The breeds include American, English and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, Doberman dogs, German Shepherds, Japanese Akita and Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Rottweilers.

Mr Madden outlined that the number of XL bullies in Ireland appears to be increasing and that they have been involved in a number of “aggressive incidents and attacks”.

“These dogs are very powerful, they’re very strong, they’ve got a very strong bite force, and they inflict serious injury or death on people when they attack people or other animals,” he said.

“We need a register of restricted breeds to understand how many dogs there are of various breeds, particularly the restricted breeds.”

Northern Ireland is also bringing in new rules to restrict the ownership of XL bully dogs, with all dogs having to be muzzled and on a lead in public.

New legislation will also require owners to get an exemption certificate for their XL bully.

The breeding and selling of XL bullies will also be banned and a new scheme will be set up requiring owners to register their dog with the authorities.