15/07/2024
Dublin Rathdown County Council are putting strays to sleep that may be on a banned breed list. People’s pets can be killed after just a short period in the pound if they go missing. This after a troublingly ambiguous publishing of legislation from Minster Heather Humphreys. The minister did not engage animal charities despite being requested to do so. Please contact the minister at [email protected] and request her to engage with the charities and provide support requested.
Statement from Pat Watt, DSPCA CEO
Firstly, the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) sympathises with those people affected by recent tragic dog-related incidents and our thoughts are with the families affected.
The DSPCA does not support breed specific bans for a number of reasons and are concerned that the ban on XL Bully types will not address the root causes leading to dog attacks. Furthermore, a blanket ban will mainly target responsible owners who are not the problem. It can also drive illegal breeding practices underground and can lead to new hybrid breeds replacing the XL bullies.
Experience in other countries has demonstrated that bans are ineffective in reducing dog attacks. They do not address the root causes of dog related incidents which include irresponsible dog ownership, cruelty, lack of education and training on responsible dog ownership, and inadequate enforcement of existing regulations. A ban also unfairly stereotypes certain breeds, and can create a misconception that for example, all bull breeds and crossbreeds are inherently dangerous which is simply not true.
In addition, it creates distress and panic amongst responsible owners of bull breeds which can lead to dogs being surrendered to animal shelters that are already overcrowded and under significant pressure due to animal cruelty. The existing legislation is there to protect the public and the many owners who are taking responsibility for their pets that are on the restricted breed list – we need greater enforcement to ensure compliance together with appropriate fines for non-compliance.
The DSPCA supports and encourages enhanced restrictions in relation to XL Bully types which include:
- XL Bully types added to the restricted breed list, with clarity on the definition of an XL Bully
- Ban on breeding and importation of XL Bully types with immediate effect
- Better enforcement of the existing legislation with more ‘Dog Wardens’
- Increased penalties for non-compliance with the regulations
- Government supported education programme on ‘Responsible Pet Ownership’
- Supports for existing owners to help them apply for an exemption and transition to full compliance
- Where owners cannot meet the requirements, a consistent approach to managing the surrender process
We also urge the Minister to engage with animal welfare organisations on the implementation, and to make an exception for animal shelters post 1st October to enable them to responsibly rehome, within strict assessment and adoption criteria, any XL Bully type dogs that come into care after the ban is implemented.
