XL Bully Dogs to be Banned in Ireland Amidst Safety Concerns The Irish government has announced plans to ban extra-large (XL) bully dogs in the country as part of new measures aimed at enhancing public safety. The ban, which will be introduced as part of the Animal Health and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023, is set to come into effect in the coming months. XL bully dogs, a hybrid breed known for their large size and muscular build, have come under scrutiny due to concerns about their potential for aggression and harm. Incidents involving these dogs have raised alarm among animal rights organizations, veterinary professionals, and the general public. The government’s decision to ban XL bully dogs was based on extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Irish Veterinary Council, the Irish National Animal Welfare Council, and animal behaviorists. The ban will prohibit the breeding, import, and sale of XL bully dogs in Ireland. Existing owners will be required to have their dogs neutered or spayed and to comply with strict containment measures. “Public safety is our paramount concern,” said Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue. “XL bully dogs have been associated with a disproportionate number of serious incidents, and we cannot continue to ignore the risks they pose to society.” The ban has been welcomed by animal welfare advocates, who have long argued that the uncontrolled breeding and ownership of aggressive dog breeds poses a danger to humans and other animals. Critics, however, argue that the ban is unfair to responsible owners who have well-behaved XL bully dogs. The government has emphasized that the ban is not meant to target all bully dog breeds. American bulldogs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs, which do not exceed certain size and temperament standards, will not be affected. The new legislation will also include measures to enhance the licensing and regulation of dog breeding establishments, promote responsible dog ownership, and provide support for the welfare of all dogs in Ireland.Extra-Large Bully Dogs to be Banned in IrelandExtra-Large Bully Dogs to be Banned in Ireland Ireland is set to implement new measures banning extra-large bully dogs, it was announced today. The move comes amid concerns over an increasing number of attacks involving these dogs, which have been described as “dangerous.” Media Outlets Reporting on the Ban: * ElDiario.ie: Extra-large bully dogs to be banned in Ireland under new measures to be announced today * RTÉ News: Extra-large bully dogs to be banned under new regulations * BreakingNews.ie: New legislation will ban XL-sized bully dogs in Ireland * Irish Independent: XL Bullies to be banned after rise in number of attacks by ‘dangerous’ dogs * The Irish Times: XL bully dogs to be banned in state after savage attacksIreland is set to ban the breeding and importation of XL bully dogs under new measures to be announced today. The move comes after a surge in attacks involving the dogs, which have been linked to several deaths in recent years. The ban will be part of a wider package of measures to tackle dangerous dogs, which will also include increased penalties for owners of dogs that attack people. The measures have been welcomed by animal welfare groups, who have long campaigned for a ban on XL bully dogs. The Irish Kennel Club has also supported the ban, saying that it is necessary to protect the public from dangerous dogs. The ban is expected to come into effect later this year.