Animal welfare organizations are challenging a new law that restricts ownership of XL bully dogs, claiming it is disproportionate and too vague to impose criminal liability on owners who fail to comply. The ban, set to come into force on February 1st, is criticized for being overly broad and lacking safeguards for existing owners without exemption certificates.

The law, which became illegal last October, prohibits the import, breeding, rehoming, or reselling of XL bully dogs, with local authorities able to grant exemption certificates only to licensed, microchipped, and neutered dogs. Owners found in breach of the regulations after February 1st could face criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines.

Charities involved in the High Court proceedings argue that the regulations underpinning the ban are unlawful and void for uncertainty. They claim the Minister for Rural and Community Development has not provided a basis for viewing XL bullies as a danger to the public, leading to confusion and negative impacts on bully breeds in general. The lack of an appeals process in Ireland, unlike the UK, is a major concern for the charities.