Courts / Wicklow / Report
Animal charities settle XL Bully case
Summary
In the High Court, a case brought by six animal welfare charities against the State regarding regulations for XL Bully dogs was settled. Sunniva McDonagh SC, representing My Lovely Horse Rescue, Clare Animal Welfare, Working Animal Guardians, Dogs Angels Ireland, Wicklow Animal Welfare, and the Haven Rescue, informed Ms Justice Sara Phelan that the matter had been resolved. Shelley Horan BL, for the State, confirmed the settlement and indicated that amendments to the controversial regulations would be made. Counsel for the applicants proposed that the case be struck out on consent, with an order for the plaintiff's costs, though both orders could be postponed. They requested that the existing injunction preventing the Department of Rural Development from seizing or euthanising dogs remain in place until final orders are made four weeks after the promulgation of the amended regulations. Ms Justice Phelan adjourned the matter for mention on April 29. The case challenged regulations that would have allowed agents to seize or euthanise XL Bully dogs in the care of animal welfare organisations. Previously, Mr Justice John Jordan granted an injunction against these regulations, citing the lack of a review mechanism for breed assessments. Under the proposed rules, owners found in breach of the 1986 Control of Dogs Act by keeping an XL Bully without an exemption certificate face potential seizure and euthanasia of the animal, alongside imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to €2,500, or both.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Animal charities settle XL Bully case. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 29 Adjournment
- February 1 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-02-27 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The animal may be seized and euthanised and the owner subject to imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to €2,500, or both.; Ms Justice Sara Phelan adjourned the matter for mention on April 29.
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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