XL Bully type dogs
From October 1st, 2024, new regulations prohibit the importing, breeding, selling, and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs, and from February 1st, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption. This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner.
Applying for a Certificate of Exemption
The completed form should be sent by post or email to environ@kildarecoco.ie
The Local Authority will process the application and send either:
- A Certificate of Exemption
- A Letter of Refusal
- Request for further information should the application be missing any relevant information.
No fee will be charged for a Certificate of Exemption.
Documentation required for a Certificate of Exemption application
The following documentation should be included with the application.
- Copy of valid dog licence.
- Copy of microchipping certificate for the dog.
- Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form.
- Photographic proof of identity (copy of passport, drivers licence, public services card etc.); and
- Proof of Address (copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous 3 months etc.).
Full information can be found on the following website: please click this link
Responsible Dog Ownership
Key Responsibilities of every Dog Owner:
- All dog owners must keep their dogs under effectual control in public places - this generally means keeping your dog on a lead when in a public place.
- All dog owners must have a licence for each dog in their possession or a general dog licence to cover all dogs in their possession - you can purchase a dog licence from the Post Office or from your local authority.
- All dog owners must ensure that every dog under their control shall at all times wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner and that the name and address are legible
- All dog owners owning purebred or crossbred dogs belonging to certain breeds e.g Rottweilers, Bull Terriers etc, must ensure that these dogs are securely muzzled and on a strong leash not more than 2 metres in length when in a public place. See the full list of breeds below.
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All dog owners must collect and properly dispose of faeces deposited by their dog in a public place.
By law, if you own a dog, you must have a dog licence. You must have a collar or harness on your dog with your contact details on it.
It is a legal requirement that all dogs are accompanied and kept under ‘effectual control’, it is recommended to keep your dog on a lead in public spaces.
What does effectual control of your dog mean?
This means that you have complete control over your dog's movements. In general, this can only be guaranteed by keeping your dog on a lead. If your dog is on the restricted breeds list or a crossbred dog belonging to one of the breeds listed below, effectual control means that the lead must be a strong lead no more than 2 metres in length and that your dog is also securely muzzled.
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, S.I. 442/1998 set out additional requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, must comply with.
If you have any of the restricted dog breeds (listed below) or strains and crosses of any of the dogs on the restricted list they must be:
- kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them.
- muzzled whenever they are in a public place.
- wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.
The restricted dogs are:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- English Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Mastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog)
Note: As it is a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully dogs are subject to restrictions.
While in a public place, these dogs, or strains and crosses thereof, must be kept on a strong short lead (only up to 2 metres long) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them. Each dog must be securely muzzled also.
Fines effective from 1 December 2023
| Offence | Relevant section | New fine amount |
| Keeping or transferring possession of a dog contrary to section 2 of the Act | Section 27(1)(a) | €150 |
| Dog not in effectual control | Section 27(1)(b) contrary to Section 9(1) |
€300 |
| Greyhound not properly controlled | Section 27 (1) (b) contrary to Section 10 | €250 |
|
Stray dog found and not dealt with in the correct manner |
Section 27 (1) (b) contrary to subsection (1) or (2) of Section 13 | €150 |
| No dog licence | Section 27(1)(c) | €150 |
| Restricted dog not properly controlled | Section 27 (1)(f) contrary to Article 5 of the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 | €300 |
| No / incorrect collar / ID | Section 27 (1)(f) contrary to Article 6 of the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 | €200 |
Dog Licensing
Do you have a dog? If so, you need a licence. Buy one at any of An Post - Post Offices countrywide or online at www.licences.ie
Click here to buy or renew a Dog LIcence
How does it work?
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, which was amended in 1992, all dog owners are required to have a dog licence.
To get your Dog Licence all you need to do is drop into your local Post Office where you can buy it over the counter or visit licences.ie.
What type of licence do you need?
- Individual dog licence – covers one dog for a period of 12 months
- General dog licence – for owners of kennels for a period of 12 months
- Lifetime of the dog licence – for the lifetime of the dog for which the licence is issued
Most people will need the individual licence. You have to be over 16 years of age to hold a dog licence.
Where do I get a Dog Licence?
- Individual dog licences at your local An Post - Post Office or online at www.licences.ie
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Lifetime licences at your local An Post - Post Office or online at www.licences.ie
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General licences are available from Kildare County Council directly - Tel.: 045 980588
Dogs which do not require a licence
- Guide dogs for the blind do not require licensing
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Dogs which are in the country for less than 30 days do not require licensing.
Some breeds have specific regulations
The breed of dog is not considered important, but some breeds have specific regulations about leashing, muzzling, etc, in public places.
If you are getting a rescue dog from an animal shelter or charity, you will usually need to have the licence in advance.
Licence Fee
- Individual €20.00
- General €400.00
- Lifetime €140.00
What next?
Retain your licence for inspection.
The Council’s Dog Warden Service is based at Portersize, Ballitore - Tel: (059) 8623388
Environment Department, Kildare County Council - Tel: (045) 980588
Email: customerservice@kildarecoco.ie
What about Refunds
There is no provision in the Control of Dogs legislation for refund of dog licence fee once the transaction is completed.
News July 2024!
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has announced a ban on XL Bully Dogs in order to protect public safety.
- From October 1st 2024 it will be Illegal to import, breed, or re-sell XL Bullies
- From February 1st 2025 there will be a ban on ownership of these dogs
- Owners will require ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to keep existing dogs
These new regulations will ensure that, from October, nobody in the State can take ownership of XL Bully Dogs and that it will be illegal to breed, sell, import, rehome, exchange, gift or abandon XL Bully dogs.
A system of certification for existing owners of XL Bully dogs is to be brought in. Over the period 1st October 2024 to 1st February 2025 all existing XL Bully owners will have to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
Certificates of Exemption will be issued subject to strict criteria, including a requirement for licensing, microchipping and neutering. Other possible criteria will be discussed with the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control put in place to advise on these issues.
After 1st February 2025, any owner not compliant with the new regulations will have their dog seized and euthanized.
Officials are working across Government, including with local authorities, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, An Garda Síochána, and Revenue Commissioners, to ensure effective enforcement of these regulations.
The timelines set out will ensure that existing owners have time to obtain Certificates of Exemption, and that the systems are in place to enforce the regulations once enacted.
Penalties for offences will be set out in the regulation, and will be in line with the penalties in the Control of Dogs Act (outlined below)
Penalties
Under Section 27(f) of the Control of Dogs Act, any person in breach of any regulation under Section 19 of the Act shall be guilty of an offence.
A person guilty of an offence under the Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €2,500, or to imprisonment of a term of up to 3 months, or both.
Dog owners with questions about the incoming regulations can contact DogControl@drcd.gov.ie
Dog Breeding Establishments registered in Kildare (Updated 9th September 2024)
| No. | Address |
|---|---|
| KE001 | Loughharbour, Athy, Co. Kildare |
| KE002 | Punchestown, Naas, Co. Kildare |
| KE003 | Bishophill, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare |
| KE004 | Barrettstown, Newbridge |
| KE005 | Roseberry, Newbridge |
| KE006 | Castlewarden, Straffan |
| KE007 | Usk Little, Colbinstown |
| KE008 | Glenmalure, Donadea |
| KE009 | Oldgrange, Monasterevin |
Click on this link to print off a copy of the Dog Breeding Establishment application form.