Ireland to ban 'XL bully' dogs after fatal attack

London: Ireland is banning the XL American bully dog breed following a fatal attack on a woman and the mauling of nine year old boy that left him with...

London: Ireland is banning the XL American bully dog breed following a fatal attack on a woman and the mauling of nine-year-old boy that left him with serious facial injuries, a minister said on Friday.

The decision comes after the UK government announced a ban last year in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland and Scotland followed suit earlier this year in response to a wave of horrific incidents.

From October 1, it will be illegal to import, breed or re-sell the so-called XL bully breed in Ireland.

Current owners of XL bullies will be required to neuter their dogs to obtain a certificate of exemption by February 1, 2025 in order to keep them.

Once the legislation is enacted, any person in breach of the regulations will face a fine of up to 2,500 euros ($2,700), up to three months in prison, or both.