GUIDE: Ireland's laws on all restricted dog breeds after recent violent attacks

With reports of increased frequency of dog attacks, biting incidents and even fatal cases, it’s something on the minds of people about dangerous dogs, should they be muzzled and what breeds are on this list.

Among these recent horror attacks is the tragic death of 23-year-old Limerick native Nicole Morey, who was killed by restricted breeds including an XL bully.

Just this week, a jogger in Donegal was rushed to hospital after being attacked by a rottweiler, another canine on the restricted breed list.

The dog was being walked on a lead by its female owner at the time - and the animal was not muzzled at the time of the attack.

Ireland currently does not have a ban on any dogs, but there are a total of eleven restricted breeds nationwide.

Although no breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland, a number of Irish people have called for an XL Bully ban following the horrific mauling of Nicole Morey, with previous calls being made for the ban after the deaths of a young Wexford boy last year, as well as two women in Waterford.

What are the restricted dog breeds in Ireland?

The list of restricted breeds of dog includes:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Mastiff
• Dobermann Pinscher
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd (Alsatian)
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Japanese Akita
• Japanese Tosa
• 'Ban dog'

A so called “ban-dog” is a cross or mixture of any of the above breeds mentioned or any strain of the above dogs listed, and this included XL bullies.

What do these restrictions mean?

The law enforcing the restrictions of these breeds is the The Control of Dogs Regulations.

The rules of this law state that dogs from the restricted breeds above must be muzzled in public, must be kept on a short, strong lead or chain, and can only be led by people over the age of 16.

The dog must also wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.

There are some minor exceptions to this law, such as in the case of garda and fire service dogs.

What happens if the restrictions are not followed?

If you are found in breach of restrictions, you can be issued with an on the spot fine. A fine of €300 can be issued for a restricted dog who is not properly controlled, while a fine of €200 can be issued for incorrect/no collar or ID. 

Dog wardens have the authority to issue these fines and request the name and address of the person found in breech of the restrictions and law.

Dogs may also be seized if owners are not in compliance with laws and restrictions, and interfering or obstructing the dog warden can result in arrest.

Will more restrictions be put on XL bullies in Ireland?

A recent XL Bully ban has taken effect in England and Wales, prompting thousands of objections by fans of the breed across the UK and Ireland.

It is now illegal (as of December 31 2023) to rehome, sell or transfer ownership of the breed, and they must be muzzled and kept on a leash while in public spaces.

Following the recent spate of high-profile attacks, the Government is now undertaking work to see how legislation to ban XL Bully dogs can be introduced, Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys has confirmed.

Speaking in the Seanad after the death of Nicole Morey, Ms Humphreys confirmed plans to ban the dogs.

"The UK have taken steps which mean since February it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully. Northern Ireland are now looking at introducing similar restrictions. As somebody from the border region, I don’t think we should be out of step with Northern Ireland on this," the Fine Gael TD said.

"I am consulting with the Attorney General on how a ban on the XL Bully would work in Ireland and what legislative changes may be required to give effect to this – that work is underway.

"We are also looking at other countries like Denmark and France who have implemented similar bans to see what we can learn from their experience and how it is working on the ground.

"The ban of the XL Bully in the UK has been the subject of a judicial review so it’s important we get this right."