Surrender fees at Limerick Dog Shelter waived for restricted breeds

THE FEE to surrender restricted breeds at Limerick Dog Shelter is being waived in light of the announcement of a ban on XL Bully dogs.

Effective October 1, 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importation, breeding, sale, and rehoming of XL Bullies. Additionally, from February 1, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’.

Until now, a €50 fee was required to surrender a dog to Limerick Dog Shelter. In light of the Minister’s announcement, the council will now waive all surrender fees to the dog shelter for restricted breeds.

Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) and An Garda Siochana in Limerick have welcomed the announcement of the ban, which is being introduced following a number of recent attacks by XL Bullies.

Sinead Hourigan, administrative officer of veterinary services at LCCC, stated: "We welcome the Minister's announcement to ban XL Bullies and await further details on the ban's implementation in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.”

Limerick Garda Superintendent Andrew Lacey added: “An Garda Síochána in Limerick welcomes any measures that enhance public safety... Unfortunately, dog attacks have been on the rise in Limerick and elsewhere in the country.”

Calls for the ban spiked after the death of Nicole Morey, 23, in June after she was attacked by a dog in her home.

Superintendent Lacey continued, “An Garda Siochána will continue to enforce regulations around muzzling and leash requirements for restricted breeds.”

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Limerick gardai risked lives in attempt to save Nicole Morey from vicious XL bully dog

The Council Dog Control team acts on all complaints regarding restricted breeds, stray or aggressive dogs and will seize a dog where it is safe and appropriate to do so. 

The Dog Wardens work in close collaboration with Gardaí in relation to enforcement of restricted breeds regulations and regularly assist in Garda operations where restricted breeds are present.

In 2023, 207 dogs entered Limerick Dog Shelter, of these 65 were of restricted breeds including 21 Bull breeds. To date in 2024,117 dogs have been accepted into the shelter, 42 were of restricted breeds including 21 Bull breeds.

Every effort is made to rehome dogs that enter Limerick Dog Shelter where it is appropriate to do so. Rehoming is done on a case-by-case basis after an assessment by the Dog Control Team. Dogs that are unsuitable for rehoming are humanely euthanised in the interest of public safety.

If you wish to report a stray or dangerous dog or rehome a dog, please call Limerick City and County Council Dog Shelter at 061 301604.