588. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of reports of an increasing number of XL bully dogs being abandoned across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38022/24]

I am aware of some reports in the media in relation to XL Bully type dogs that have been abandoned or allowed to stray. There are provisions within the Control of Dogs Act to deal with any owner found to be abandoning their dog or allowing it to roam, and these provisions will be fully enforced. Any dog found straying, or abandoned, will be seized by a dog warden or a member of An Garda Síochána. That dog may then be disposed of or destroyed in a humane manner after five days if not claimed and any charges paid. Any member of the public who sees a stray or abandoned dog should immediately report it to the Dog Warden in the relevant Local Authority.

The new Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 make it a specific offence for a person to own, keep, purchase, dispose of (whether by sale or otherwise), abandon, allow to stray, breed or import an XL Bully after 1st October 2024.

The ban comes into force in two stages beginning today, the 1st October 2024, with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.

The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully type dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.

All XL Bully type dog owners will be required to licence, microchip and neuter their dogs. Further information on the criteria to qualify and the documentation needed for a Certificate of Exemption application is available on gov.ie/xlbully.

I am committed to improving Dog Control in Ireland and in this context I recently announced €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve their dog pounds and dog warden facilities. This funding is in addition to the €2 million I announced for dog warden facilities in November last year (2023) and comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and will make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service across the country.

In July of this year, together with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, I also announced further funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the ban on XL Bully type dogs.