Registration for Certificate of Exemption for XL Bully type dogs now open
From today, October 1st, 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs, and from February 1st, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption.
All XL Bully dog owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption
This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner. Owners will need to provide:
- Copy of Valid Dog Licence: Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, every dog must be licensed and kept under effective control and must have a collar bearing the owner’s name and address. Licences are available from any Post Office or online at www.licences.ie.
- Microchipping Certificate: It is a legal requirement in Ireland to have all dogs implanted with a microchip and registered on an approved database by the time they are 12 weeks old.
- Confirmation of neutering: Owners must arrange to have their XL Bully type dog neutered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner in order to receive a Certificate of Exemption.
- Photographic proof of identity of owner: i.e. copy of passport, driver’s licence, public services card, etc.
- Proof of address of owner: i.e. copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous three months, etc.
Owners of XL Bully type dogs can apply for a Certificate of Exemption online at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/dog-control/
or by posting all required documentation to:
Environment Section, ref: XL Bully Dog, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford X91 PK15.
-ends-
Notes to editors:
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 that will introduce the ban on XL Bully type dogs in Ireland.
The ban comes into force in two stages beginning on the 1st October 2024 with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.
The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life. There will be no fee for the certificate of exemption.
Further information regarding the XL Bully ban can be found at www.gov.ie/xlbully
