Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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385. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the €100 thousand allocated to organisations which facilitate the neutering of dogs, this information was not made available to the public until 16 January 2025, two weeks prior to the ban XL bully dogs who will not be neutered by this date; if this deadline will be extended to allow for these dogs to be neutered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6820/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In late 2022, a cross-government review of legislation regarding dogs was undertaken and later in 2023, an inter-agency working group on the control of dogs issue was established.

One of the recommendations of this group was the funding of a targeted neutering scheme for dogs. In this regard, my Department provided funding of €152,500 between three charities, to support already established neutering voucher schemes supporting members of disadvantaged communities that wish to neuter their dogs but cannot afford to do so.

The scheme has a particular focus on, and priority for, XL Bully type dogs for the later part of 2024 and the early part of 2025, however it does not solely relate to neutering of XL Bully type dogs. This funding was awarded to three animal welfare organisations who had existing neutering schemes in place. The funding was provided on a one-off basis with no commitment to any ongoing funding relationship and is subject to review.

A review of this scheme is due to take place after the scheme ends. This is expected to take place in the later part of 2025.

Funding was allocated as follows;

Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - €100,000

The Irish Blue Cross - €32,500

Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption - €20,000

The ban on XL Bully type dogs was announced last year in the interest of public safety following a number of horrific attacks. The ban was brought in over two stages to give XL Bully type dog owners who wish to keep their dog, the time to obtain a 'Certificate of Exemption'. There was a four month period between the 1st October 2024 and before 1st February 2025, where these owners were able to apply for a 'Certificate of Exemption'.

If an owner's dog was older than 18 months of age on 1 October 2024 and un-neutered, they must have applied for a Certificate of Exemption before 1st February 2025, and provide a Confirmation of Neutering Status Form countersigned by a registered veterinary practitioner by 30th June 2025.

If their dog was younger than 18 months of age on 1 October 2024, they must have applied for a Certificate of Exemption before 1st February 2025, and are required to provide the Confirmation of Neutering Status Form countersigned by a registered veterinary practitioner within one month of neutering or before 1st July 2026 at latest.