Over 100 XL Bully Dogs Euthanized Under Controversial Ban

UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, local authorities have euthanized 114 XL Bully dogs in just one year since the controversial ban on the breed took effect. This alarming figure, revealed by the Department of Agriculture, highlights the ongoing debate over public safety and animal welfare in Ireland.

The ban, initiated on October 1, 2024, prohibits the importation, breeding, sale, and rehoming of XL Bully dogs, following a rise in public safety concerns linked to high-profile attacks. Since then, the numbers have surged, with local councils reporting that 114 dogs were put down between October 2024 and October 2025 after being surrendered or seized.

The highest number of euthanizations occurred in Fingal County Council, which accounted for 18 dogs, followed closely by Limerick City & County Council with 16. In total, 37 dogs were euthanized across Louth and Cork councils. Disturbingly, these statistics do not include dogs euthanized while under the care of animal welfare organizations, which suggests the real toll could be even higher.

Critics of the ban, including Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews, have called the euthanizations “pretty devastating,” arguing that the focus should be on responsible ownership rather than blanket bans on specific breeds. “Bad owners just move on to different dogs,” Andrews stated, stressing the need for owner training and accountability.

This legislation has sparked public outrage, especially after tragic incidents involving XL Bullies, including the death of Nicole Morey, a 23-year-old woman from Limerick, and severe injuries to a nine-year-old boy in Wexford in 2022. Most recently, a woman was hospitalized in Limerick following a suspected XL Bully attack.

As part of the new regulations, owners can apply for a certificate of exemption to keep their XL Bullies. Over 1,440 certificates have been issued, with councils like Fingal and South Dublin granting nearly 30% of them. However, only 79 applications have been denied, often due to misidentification of the breed.

Discontent remains high among animal welfare organizations, which argue that the ban is a “populist move” that fails to address the real issue: irresponsible ownership. Brenda Fitzgerald, co-founder of Working Animal Guardians, emphasized that the government should focus on enforcing real penalties for irresponsible owners instead of indiscriminately euthanizing dogs.

Earlier this year, animal welfare charities secured a High Court injunction against aspects of the ban, raising concerns about the identification criteria for XL Bullies, which could lead to wrongful euthanizations. The government has since agreed to amend the rules, introducing a review process for disputes regarding dog classifications.

A joint statement from Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, and other organizations highlighted that breed bans do not reduce dog bite incidents and instead complicate matters for responsible dog owners. They advocate for addressing root causes of aggression, including regulating breeders and educating owners.

As debates continue, this situation remains fluid. The implications of the ban on public safety, animal welfare, and responsible ownership are far-reaching. The community is urged to engage in this critical discussion as the government weighs potential changes to current regulations.

Stay tuned for real-time updates on this developing story as it unfolds.