A Senator has slammed a Dublin council over a 'cruel' new policy that sees dogs on the restricted breeds list euthanized after five days.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed that it has told animal shelters not to be rehome or release restricted breed dogs into the care of rescue organisations.
In an email seen by Newstalk, the Dog Control Section of the local authority says it has given an instruction to the Dublin County Dog Shelter that no restricted breeds that enter the shelter are to be rehomed.
It notes that dogs on the restricted list that are not claimed by an owner within five days are to be euthanised.
It says the policy applies to "all dogs on the restricted breeds list".
American Bully breed dog. Picture by: Alamy.com.A spokesperson for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council told Newstalk they are due to review the policy.
"Following the recent horrific attack in Limerick, dlr advised the pound operator that all restricted breeds entering the pound from the dlr area are deemed unsuitable for rehoming," they said.
"As the restricted breeds are deemed unfit for rehoming, this left no option but to have the dogs put to sleep.
"Following Minister Heather Humphreys announcement on XL bully dogs this morning, dlr will review the position on the inclusion of all restricted breeds," they added.
It follows a recent spate in dog attacks, including the death of Nicole Morey in Limerick last month.
The 23-year-old died following the attack at a house on her birthday in the village of Fedamore in Ballyneety.
Sinn Féin Senator Lynn Boylan said she has written to Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys to "clarify if she agrees with this policy", which she branded as "cruel".
I have been told that DLR local authority are putting down healthy dogs if they are on the restricted breed list. This is so cruel. I have written to Minister Humphreys to clarify if she agrees with this policy.
— Lynn Boylan 🍷📖🐾 (@LNBDublin) July 12, 2024
Foster rescue organisation Working Animal Guardians (WAG) has said the policy is "disgusting, ignorant and unacceptable".
It comes as new restrictions are to be placed on owning XL bully dogs from October.
From October 1st the breeding, sale, rehoming and importing of XL bully dogs will be completely banned.
Current owners of XL bullies will be subject to strict new rules from next February.
Special certificates will be needed to ensure the dogs are neutered and microchipped.
XL bullies are already among 11 breeds of dogs on the 'restricted breeds' list in Ireland, but there are currently no bans in place.
