Last month the Irish government announced that it will ban the ownership, breeding, sale, and importation of American XL Bully dogs, with
the law coming into effect on October 1, 2024. This decision comes after a series of serious attacks involving the breed, including a fatal attack in June of this year. Here we review some of the serious incidents that led to the implementation of this law.
Nicole Morey, County Limerick, June 2024
In a tragic incident, 23-year-old
Nicole Morey was fatally attacked by her two American XL Bully dogs just hours after celebrating her birthday at her home in Ballyneety, Co. Limerick. Despite efforts by the armed response unit, one of the dogs was shot dead at the scene. Nicole had previously shared her difficulties in controlling one of the dogs on social media. The attack occurred late on the night of June 4, 2024, with Gardai responding to the distressing scene, where they encountered multiple aggressive dogs. The incident renewed calls to ban the dogs, paving the way for new regulations brought in by Ireland’s Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
Two Women Hospitalised, Waterford, October 2023
Two women were
hospitalised after being attacked by an XL Bully Pitbull in Waterford city. The incident occurred in St John’s Park during the daytime. Emergency services, including Gardai and a dog warden, responded, and the dog was seized. The women, one in her 30s and another in her late teens, sustained serious injuries and were taken to University Hospital Waterford. Sinn Féin councillor, John Hearne, slammed the delay on plans to overhaul animal welfare.
“The Government promised a complete overhaul of legislation around dog controls and animal welfare but nothing has been published yet. This issue seems to be way down the line for them,” said Mr Hearne, at the time of this attack.
Alejandro Mizsan, County Wexford, November 2022
In March 2023, two individuals were
sentenced to 20 months in prison for their roles in a brutal dog attack on a nine-year-old boy in County Wexford. The boy, Alejandro Mizsan, was left with severe facial injuries after being attacked by an American XL Bully dog. The boy’s family expressed relief and a sense of justice following the sentencing. The case fuelled the ongoing debate over the ownership of dangerous dog breeds in Ireland. At the time, Heather Humphreys announced a doubling of on-the-spot fines for individuals who fail to properly control their dogs, with charges up to €300 for offenders.
Tighter Restrictions for Owners
Whilst it will be illegal to own, breed, or sell the American XL Bully breed after 1, October, owners will be able to keep dogs purchased before this date but must comply with strict regulations. The key requirement will be to obtain a “Certificate of Exemption”. To receive this certificate, owners must adhere to several conditions, including licensing, microchipping, and neutering their dogs. These certificates must be obtained between October 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025. After February 1, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully in Ireland without this certificate, and failure to comply could result in the dog being seized and euthanised.
Attacks and Injuries Caused by American XL Bully Dogs
Despite the incoming ban, it is still possible for attacks to occur involving the American XL Bully breed. If you have been injured in an attack by this breed or any other type of dog, you may have the grounds to bring a
personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. At McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP, we have extensive experience advising clients who have suffered injuries due to
dog attacks in Ireland. If you would like to speak to a solicitor about your case, you can arrange a free initial consultation with us by completing our confidential
contact form.
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