XL Bully dogs: ownership banned without certificate of exemption under new regs, council confirm

Westmeath County Council has reiterated that ownership of XL Bully-type dogs is illegal unless a certificate of exemption has been granted under new national regulations.

Ambrose Clarke said the regulations, introduced in October 2024, prohibit the importation, breeding, sale or rehoming of XL Bully-type dogs.

Since February 2025, it has been illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption. To date, 23 certificates of exemption have been granted in Westmeath, and four applications require further information.

“One application didn’t actually relate to an XL Bully dog,” Mr Clarke said.

Dogs born before December 10, 2024 can apply for exemptions, and an appeals process ultimately goes to the courts. Dogs born after that date must be seized and euthanised.

Responding to questions from Cllr Niall Gaffney and Cllr Tom Farrell, Mr Clarke said the cut-off date is the key determining factor under the law.

“As far as I understand, if the dog is born after that date, that’s it,” he said. “Before that date, there is a process that can be followed, and the court makes the final decision.”

Mr Clarke acknowledged that some XL Bully dogs may still be unidentified in the county, but said wardens have taken action where dogs have been encountered.

Councillors voice concerns over dog control, fouling and dangerous breeds

Concerns about dog control, fouling, dangerous breeds and public awareness dominated the wide-ranging discussion that ensued following a presentation by council official Ambrose Clarke on the operation of the Dog Warden Service at the January meeting of Westmeath County Council.

Councillors broadly welcomed improvements to the service but raised serious concerns about dog attacks, irresponsible ownership and a lack of awareness of legal obligations in public spaces.

Cllr David Jones complimented the service on the speed of its response after he recently alerted staff to a loose dog, and said he fully supported proposals to promote dog licensing and microchipping.

Cllr John Dolan, however, expressed frustration that dog wardens do not have the legal power to pursue a dog into a private residence. He recalled a distressing incident in Burgess Park, Athlone, where one dog savaged and killed another before returning to the house where it lived.

Cllr Dolan also spoke strongly about the impact of dog attacks on livestock, particularly sheep. “Any of us who have witnessed sheep that were attacked by dogs will never forget it,” he said, stressing that owners have to be held responsible for the actions of their dogs.

“There are no bad dogs, just bad owners,” Cllr Niall Gaffney said, while asking whether education initiatives would include guidance on dog training and behaviour in public places. He also queried what happens to dogs that are not claimed within five days and whether attacks on sheep should still be reported to gardaí as well as to dog wardens.

Dog fouling was raised forcefully by several councillors. Cllr Alfie Devine said it was a major issue on greenways, footpaths and in the new public parks, and called for clearer signage warning that dog fouling is an offence.

“I don’t think people are aware they’re actually committing an offence by allowing their dogs to foul and then walking away,” he said, describing the problem as widespread across the county.

Cllr Tom Farrell echoed those concerns, saying dog fouling and aggressive dogs had been persistent problems, particularly on greenways and in Moate it had even been a problem on the main street. He asked whether flashing or movable signage could be introduced, warning that dogs must be muzzled and on a lead. Cllr Farrell also suggested the council take an information stand at the Mullingar, Moate and Athlone agricultural shows to engage directly with dog owners.

Support for a proposed open day at the dog pound was voiced by Cllr Ken Glynn, who said it would help the public better understand the service. Cllr Mick Dollard remarked that many people were likely unaware of the extent of the service provided by the local authority.

Cllr Denis Leonard called for a media campaign or leaflets outlining the risks associated with certain breeds and the level of care and control required, particularly where dogs could pose a danger if not muzzled.

Improvements at the dog pound were welcomed by Cllr Frankie Keena, who also raised concerns about dogs barking at night in housing estates. He asked how such complaints were handled, whether many prosecutions had been taken, and what income had been generated from fines. Cllr Keena also queried whether microchips could be removed.

Cllr Emily Wallace suggested that the phone number on the dog warden van should be made more visible and proposed the use of QR codes at locations such as the greenways linking to multilingual information on dog ownership responsibilities and criticised owners who failed to carry dog waste bags. She also asked about fostering and adoption options through the pound.

Cllr Julie McCourt supported stronger signage and the restriction of dangerous breeds from public amenities, suggesting visual signs identifying prohibited breeds similar to those used in forestry areas.

Council cathaoirleach Cllr Aoife Davitt shared a personal experience of being caught off guard by a large, uncontrolled dog while swimming with family members, and supported clearer signage, more bins, and educational leaflets for children.

Responding, Mr Clarke of the environment section said councillors had raised many constructive suggestions but emphasised that the Dog Warden Service remains a small team whose primary duty is dog control.

The service now operates seven days a week, though not on a 24-hour basis, and focuses on visible patrols rather than responding only to individual complaints, he said. Education remains a key priority, and there is an initial focus on engagement rather than fines.

Mr Clarke confirmed wardens cannot enter private residences but will engage directly with owners. Dogs are generally held for five days before rehoming, though some remain longer depending on circumstances. He said attacks on livestock should be reported first to the gardaí, and the council assist as required.

On dog fouling and signage, Mr Clarke said the council are rolling out programmable audio warning devices at greenways and public amenities and are open to changing messages based on councillor feedback. He also confirmed that QR codes, additional bins, social media messaging, and attendance at agricultural shows are being explored.

He said the council work closely with volunteer groups to rehome dogs quickly and reiterated that enforcement is a last resort. “We don’t want to be going to court in the first instance – we want people to do what’s right,” he said.

Addressing microchipping, dog warden Emma Briggs said microchips can be removed but only through invasive means. “It’s the darker side of the industry that would be engaging in such practices,” she said.

Mr Clarke concluded by saying the council aim to improve education, visibility and compliance across the county while continuing to prioritise public safety and animal welfare.