Banning XL bully type dog breeds alone is not an effective solution for enhancing public safety and reducing dog attacks.

A controlled approach to cease breeding and to manage the existing population in a humane way is the only show in town, but the government need to do more than issue a mandate, they need to pull up their sleeves and share funds appropriately to be part of the long-term solution, 6 million euro is a far cry from what's needed!

It is essential to approach issues with a focus on responsible ownership, education, and community engagement as much as it is to enforcing legislation, which is simply not happening…

?None of these dogs should be abandoned, they should be surrendered where people are not eligible to apply for an exemption, there should be supports for people who are responsible but don’t meet all the requirements, but what supports have been put in place to allow for any of this?

?Comprehensive and evidence-based strategies are more likely to address the root causes of dog-related incidents and promote public safety not a knee jerk reaction, not a couple of roundtables with a few warm bodies….

?Why banning alone is not effective

1.????? Unfair Stigmatization: Banning a specific breed, such as pit bulls or certain mastiff breeds, can lead to the unfair stigmatization of all XL Bully Type Breed belonging to that breed. This generalization can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to the misconception that certain breeds are inherently dangerous.

2.????? Loss of Individual Rights: Banning a particular breed may infringe on the rights of responsible dog owners who have well-behaved and properly trained XL Bully Type Breed of that breed. This approach penalizes responsible owners for the actions of a few irresponsible ones.

3.????? Encourages Irresponsible Ownership: Breed-specific bans may not address the root causes of dog aggression, which are often related to irresponsible ownership, lack of socialization, and inadequate training. Instead of addressing these underlying issues, a ban may lead to a false sense of security and neglect of responsible dog ownership practices.

4.????? Focus on Symptoms, Not Causes: Banning a breed may be a superficial solution that does not address the broader issue of irresponsible ownership, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of existing regulations. Focusing on specific breeds may divert attention from addressing the root causes of dog-related incidents.

5.????? Impact on Shelter XL Bully Type Breed: Breed-specific bans can result in an increase in the number of XL Bully Type Breed of the banned breed in dog shelters, as owners may abandon or relinquish their pets due to the restrictions. This may lead to overcrowded shelters and an increase in euthanasia rates for XL Bully Type Breed of the banned breed.

6.????? Potential for Illegal Breeding: Banning a breed may drive the demand for banned XL Bully Type Breed underground, leading to illegal breeding practices. This could result in the proliferation of poorly bred and poorly socialized XL Bully Type Breed, exacerbating the issue of aggressive behaviour.

7.????? Resource Allocation: Enforcing breed-specific legislation requires resources for identification, monitoring, and compliance. These resources might be better allocated to more effective measures, such as promoting responsible ownership, implementing comprehensive dog bite prevention programs, and enforcing existing leash laws.

?Recommendations

1.????? Stop the immediate import of unlicensed XL bully breed types into Ireland.

2.????? Ban breeding of XL Bully Types in Ireland effective immediately.

3.????? All owners present themselves and apply for an exemption.

4.????? Add the XL Bully to the restricted breed list and ensure compliance – More dog wardens.

5.????? Update the legislation to have higher penalties for non-conformance.

6.????? All dog welfare Organizations follow the same protocol with respect to taking these type of breeds in to ensure the best outcome for the dog and for the prospect adopter/fosterer.

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