'You see a dog like that coming, you're scared' - Minister Eamon Ryan on ban of XL Bullies
'They are not just a threat to their owner, but to the community'
Minister Eamon Ryan is one of the latest government ministers to weigh in on whether or not certain breeds of dog should be banned in Ireland.
The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications said that he would be 'supportive' of banning breeds such as XL Bullies following the fatal attack of a 23-year-old girl in Limerick.
Nicole Morey was killed by her pet dog, an XL Bully, on Tuesday night in Ballyneety Co Limerick, just after celebrating her birthday.
A handful of ministers have since come forward to express their views on banning such breeds of dogs, including Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who said: "I hear and respect experts who say you can't ban breeds, but I am supportive of banning such breeds [as XL Bullies].
"They are not just a threat to their owner but the community. When you see a dog like that coming at you, you're scared," he said.
Over 1,500 dog attacks were reported to gardaí in Ireland in the last two years. XL Bullies are banned in England and Wales since December 31, 2023. It is illegal to rehome, sell or transfer ownership of the breed in these UK spots, with many in Ireland now calling for the same to be introduced here.