New regulations that will ban the ownership of XL Bully dogs have been signed by Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys.
The new regulations will make it illegal to either import, breed or re-sell an XL Bully dog from next Tuesday, October 1.
The ban itself will be a two-stage process, with the second due to come into effect and ban the ownership of the dog from February 1, 2025.
However, owners of XL Bully dogs will be able to apply for a certificate of exemption from local authorities to permit them to keep their dog until it passes away.
To acquire an exemption, an owner must ensure their dog is licenced, microchipped and neutered.
Speaking after the signing of the regulations, Ms Humphreys said that the rules were coming in due to the “number of horrific attacks by XL Bully dogs”.
“While I know not everybody will agree with the ban, my ultimate priority is to protect public safety,” Ms Humphreys said.
“For existing owners of XL Bully dogs, provided they take the necessary steps and obtain a Certificate of Exemption, they will be permitted to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.”