Revealed: The number of XL Bullies surrendered in Tipperary since ban introduced
The ban on the dogs was brought in amid fears for public safety after the death of Limerick woman Nicole Morey who was mauled to death by her two XL Bully dogs last June, one of a number of serious dog attacks by the breed.
The ban was brought in over two stages to give XL Bully type dog owners who wished to keep their dog, the time to obtain a certificate of exemption.
So far, up to 1,800 applications for certificates of exemptions have been made nationwide, with almost 1,000 granted.
The ban also offered the owners of XL Bully type dogs the option of surrendering them to their local authority.
In Tipperary, up to the end of March, just two dogs have been surrendered to Tipperary County Council.
Figures released to the Dáil by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary showed that 48 dogs had been surrendered so far since the ban was introduced.
The Minister said that the ban came in the 'interest of public safety'.
"Members of the public must comply with the regulations. Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
"Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the individual local authorities, who are empowered to seize XL Bully type dogs where necessary under the relevant statutory provisions,' Minister Calleary said.
The area which saw the largest number of XL Bullies surrendered was Dublin, with 11, followed by Limerick (10) and Cork City with four.
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