Less than 150 applications have been made to keep XL bully dogs.
Following a spate of high-profile attacks on people by the breed, the Government announced XL Bullies would be banned.
The only exceptions are for when an owner has successfully applied for an exemption cert.
Although there are thought to be thousands of XL bullies in Ireland, a relatively small number of people have applied for exemptions.
According to the Irish Times, 19 applications to keep an XL bully were made in Kildare, 12 each in Fingal and Meath but none in either Galway City or Westmeath.
An XL bully. Picture by: Justin Griffiths-Williams/Alamy Live NewsAll XL bullies need to have a certificate of exemption by February 1st and be kept muzzled and on a leash when in public.
Anyone found in breach of the law could have the dog seized and euthanized “in a humane manner”.
The owner also risks a €2,500 fine, three months in prison or both.
Main image: An XL bully. Picture by: Alamy.com
