Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 2545Judicial review (challenging XL bully dog regulations) · Co. Dublin · 15 Jan 2025

Animal welfare charities take High Court action over XL bully ban

Six animal welfare charities initiated High Court proceedings seeking an urgent injunction to halt the ban on rehoming or exporting XL bully dogs in their care, alleging the regulations underpinning the ban are unlawful. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty agreed to hear the application the following Monday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatIt became illegal last October to import, breed, rehome or resell XL bullies. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA ban on owning the breed without an exemption certificate comes into force at the beginning of next month. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatLocal authorities can grant exemption certificates only if dogs are licensed, microchipped and neutered. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAn owner in breach after 1 February without an exemption certificate will have committed a criminal offence under the 1986 Control of Dogs Act. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe charities are seeking an urgent injunction before the 1 February ban takes effect. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenAnimal shelters and charities with XL bullies already in their facilities were given until 1 February to re-home or export them. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe changes were introduced on grounds of public safety after Nicole Morey died in an attack by an XL bully at Ballyneety, Co Limerick, in June. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtSix animal welfare charities initiated High Court proceedings seeking to halt the ban on rehoming or exporting XL bully dogs. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe charities allege the regulations underpinning the ban are unlawful. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBarrister Mariana Verdes was granted an urgent date for moving an application seeking permission for the judicial review. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMs Justice Mary Rose Gearty said she would hear the application the following Monday. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe proceedings are against the Minister for Rural and Community Development, the Attorney General and Ireland. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has been listed as a notice party. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe animal may be seized and euthanised and the owner subject to imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe six charities bringing the action are My Lovely Horse Rescue, Clare Animal Welfare, Working Animal Guardians, Dogs Angels Ireland, Wicklow Animal Welfare and the Haven Rescue. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe restrictions are being phased in via regulations signed by then minister Heather Humphreys last September. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Jan2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Animal welfare charities take High Court action over XL bully ban

    Initial reporting of the High Court judicial review proceedings by six animal welfare charities challenging the XL bully dog ban regulations, with an urgent application before the 1 February 2025 deadline.