APDTI Statement on XL Bully Ban

(Pic: Ellea McGovern)

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland wishes to lend our support to our esteemed colleagues on the DCRD Dog Control Stakeholder Group, namely Dogs Trust, The Irish Blue Cross, MADRA, and the ISPCA, on their Joint Statement issued with respect to the proposed ban on XL Bully Dogs. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland appreciates and understands that Minister Humphreys has had to make some difficult decisions in light of recent tragic events involving XL Bully dogs. 

We recognise, however, that there is a necessity for significantly more detail to emerge in relation to this proposed new legislation that effectively bans XL Bully dogs which we shall await, trusting that all such detail will be formulated via robust engagement with all of our fellow stakeholders on the DCRD Dog Control Stakeholder Group.

As an organisation that embraces evidence-led approaches to dog training, behaviour and 

welfare, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland fears that evidence from multiple other jurisdictions casts substantial doubts on the effectiveness of bans on certain breeds or types of dogs. 

Furthermore, we have grave concerns for the accurate identification of “of type” dogs, for the welfare of “of type” dogs that do not have owners to advocate for them via exemption certificates, and for the burden that is likely to be placed upon rescue groups, shelters, pounds, and veterinary surgeons to deal with the anticipated increase in abandoned dogs that will result from the measures imposed by the proposed new legislation.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland supports legislation and properly resourced measures which educate, promote and, where necessary, effectively enforce ethical dog breeding, dog control, and responsible dog ownership for all breeds and types of dogs.