Six animal welfare charities are seeking an urgent injunction from the High Court to stop the upcoming ban on rehoming or exporting XL bully dogs in their care. The ban, set to take effect on February 1st, was put in place last October and applies to the largest of the American bully breed.

The charities involved in the court action include My Lovely Horse Rescue, Clare Animal Welfare, Working Animal Guardians, Dogs Angels Ireland, Wicklow Animal Welfare, and the Haven Rescue. They argue that the regulations underpinning the ban are unlawful and are seeking injunctive relief ahead of the ban on rehoming.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys introduced the ban on XL bullies last September following a fatal attack by an XL bully in Co Limerick. Owners found to be in breach of the regulations after February 1st may face criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines. The court will hear the application for permission to continue with the judicial review case next Monday.