In an attempt to prevent the impending prohibition on them rehoming or exporting XL bully dogs under their care, six animal welfare organisations have petitioned the High Court, reports Breaking News.
The groups are requesting an immediate injunction prior to the February 1st ban, the court heard on Wednesday.
The largest bully breed in America, XL bullies, are forbidden to import, breed, rehome, or resale as of last October. However, organisations and animal shelters who already had XL bully pups in their premises were allowed until February 1st to export or find new homes for them, reports Breaking News.
At the start of next month, it will also be illegal to own the breed without an exemption certificate.
Only dogs who are licensed, microchipped, and neutered are eligible for certification from local authorities.
Dogs Angels Ireland, My Lovely Horse Rescue, Clare Animal Welfare, Working Animal Guardians, Wicklow Animal Welfare, and the Haven Rescue have filed a lawsuit claiming that the rules governing the prohibition are illegal, reports Breaking News.
Under the guidance of Stephen Kirwan, an attorney representing KOD Lyons, barrister Mariana Verdes was given an urgent date on Wednesday to file an application requesting authorisation for the charities to proceed with their judicial review action.
Since her clients are requesting injunctive relief prior to the February 1st restriction on rehoming, Ms. Verdes stated that the situation was urgent, reports Breaking News.
Ms. Justice Mary Rose Gearty stated that she will consider the application on Monday of next week, pointing out that the situation is urgent.
The Attorney General, Ireland, and the Minister for Rural and Community Development are the targets of the proceedings; they have not yet had an opportunity to address the allegations in court, reports Breaking News.
Last September, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys enacted laws that will gradually ban XL bullies.
Following the June attack on Limerick lady Nicole Morey at Ballyneety, Co Limerick, by an XL bully, Ms. Humphreys proposed the reforms on the grounds of public safety.
A criminal offence under the 1986 Control of Dogs Act will be committed by an owner who is determined to have violated the rules by maintaining an XL bully after February 1st without an exemption certificate. The owner may face up to three months in jail and/or a fine, and the animal may be confiscated and put down, reports Breaking News.
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