Dozens of XL bully dogs currently in shelters would have faced being euthanised next week when new laws about the restricted breed come into effect.
Initially it had been announced that a ban on breeding, buying, importing or rehoming the breed would be in place from October 1.
However, “following engagement with animal welfare charities and shelters, existing XL Bully dogs already in these facilities will be permitted to be rehomed or exported until February 1, 2025”, the Department of Rural and Community Development confirmed.
It will still be illegal to buy, breed or import these types of dogs from next Tuesday.
From February, it will also be against the law to own an XL bully without a certificate of exemption confirming the animal is licenced, micro-chipped and neutered.
Those who violate the laws face fines of up to €2,500 or imprisonment, while the dog will be seized.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys signed the legislation to ban XL bully dogs this week following a number of serious attacks in recent months.
Last week, an XL bully dog was put down in Dublin after attacking its owner, who was hospitalised.
Some animal welfare organisations have voiced concerns over the implementation of the new rules, fearing the laws will lead to increased abandonment.
They also expressed sadness at having to put down healthy dogs.
An animal welfare charity in Sweden has offered to take XL bully dogs from Ireland ahead of the restrictions coming into effect on Tuesday.
Some Irish dog charities this week transported dogs to Hundar Utan Hem (Dogs Without Homes) including an organisation in Ashbourne, Co Meath, which sent 22 dogs on Thursday.
Welfare organisations in Ireland say they have been struggling to rehome the breed in the wake of high-profile attacks including the death of 23-year-old Nicole Morey in Limerick.
Current owners of XL bullies will be able to apply for a certificate of exemption from Tuesday if their dog is licensed, microchipped and neutered.
They will be permitted to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.
“I am bringing these regulations into force in the interest of public safety following a number of horrific attacks by XL bully dogs, which included the death of a young woman in Limerick,” Minister Humphreys said following a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
“The XL bully type dog was also responsible for an attack on a very small child in Kerry last month and the horrific attack on Alejandro Mizsan in Wexford in 2022.
“I am concerned that if we do not take action now, the number of these dogs in the country will grow and my fear is that these attacks will become more frequent.
“While I know not everybody will agree with the ban, my ultimate priority is to protect public safety.”
As a cross of restricted breeds, XL bully-type dogs are subject to the existing additional rules under dog control legislation.
When in public these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain up to two metres in length by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.
