Ireland is set to announce a ban on XL bully dogs after a growing number of incidents involving the controversial breed came to light.
The ban will be implemented in two phases between October and February next year.
Starting October, it will be illegal to breed, import, sell, or rehome the breed. It effectively means that there can be no new owners of XL bully dogs from October.
Then from February, a ban will be in place on owning an XL bully, unless the owner has a Certificate of Exemption, which ensures that a dog is microchipped and is neutered.
Last month, a 23-year-old woman died after being attacked by an XL bully dog at her Co Limerick home.
As of now, XL bullies have been placed in the “restricted breed of dog” list, which means that while in public, they must to be kept on a short led, muzzled, and wearing a collar with owners information on it.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys is expected to formally announce the measures later today.