Courts / Wicklow / Report
High Court halts part of imminent XL Bully ban in rare move
Summary
The High Court, exercising its limited power, granted an injunction that pauses the enforcement of new regulations set to take effect on 1 February 2025. The regulations would have allowed state agents to seize or euthanise XL Bully dogs held by animal welfare organisations. Mr Justice John Jordan noted that the regulations lack a review mechanism for a dog warden's assessment of the breed before euthanasia. He refused a second injunction that would have barred shelters from re‑homing the dogs. The stay remains until 27 February, when a substantive hearing on the broader Control of Dogs 2024 regulations will be held. The case was brought by barristers Sunniva McDonagh SC and Mariana Verdes BL on behalf of several charities, including My Lovely Horse Rescue and Clare Animal Welfare. The injunction reflects concerns about public safety amid recent dog attacks. The judge emphasised that the stay allows dogs to remain alive while the legal dispute is resolved.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: High Court halts part of imminent XL Bully ban in rare move. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 27 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 1 Incident
- 2025-01-31 Publication
Places mentioned
- The High Court
- High Court
Topics
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