The High Court has granted an injunction to prevent XL Bully dogs already under the care of animal shelters and charities from being put down as per new regulations.

On October 1st it became illegal to import, breed, rehome, or resell XL Bully dogs.

However, animal shelters and charities with XL Bully dogs already in their facilities were given until tomorrow to re-home or export them.

Six shelters were yesterday given a hearing date next month to challenge the lawfulness of the regulations.

In the meantime, an order was today put in place refraining the State from putting down dogs in animal shelters and charities until the main issues have been decided.

The judge refused to grant a further relief, which would have allowed the shelters to continue rehoming the dogs during that time.

XL bully dogs protest, © PA Wire/PA Images