The Irish government announced on Friday it would ban American Bully XL dogs after a series of attacks. Ireland is following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, which banned these powerful-jawed dogs in October 2023 after a series of attacks shocked the country.

There have been several accidents in Ireland, including a 23-year-old woman killed by her own dogs in June. Weighing more than 60 kg and coming from a cross between several mastiffs, these dogs have gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. But under Ireland's new regulations, “from October, no one will be able to own these dangerous dogs,” Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys explained in a press release. “It shall be illegal to breed, sell, import, rehome, exchange, give away or abandon XL Bully dogs,” she added. Public safety is “my priority”.

“A dog's life is worth less than a human's”

A certification system will be in place for current owners of American Bully XL. Between October 1 and February 1, 2025, all owners will need to apply for a certificate. The government has warned that any owner's dog that does not comply with the new regulations will be seized and euthanized.

“If we don't act now, I fear the number of these dogs in the country will increase and these attacks will become more frequent,” Heather Humphreys said. “I know many will disagree with this decision. […] I am a dog owner and I know people love their dogs. However, we must remember that a dog's life is not worth more than a human's,” the minister said.