Newtownards, Co Down – A dog, described as an “XL bully type dog” by a local councilor, was shot by police on Thursday, April 3, 2025, after it reportedly attacked and injured a man and a woman in the Rathmullan Drive area. The incident has ignited a debate regarding responsible pet ownership, breed-specific legislation, and law enforcement’s response to animal attacks, especially in light of recent changes to regulations surrounding XL bully-type dogs in Northern Ireland.

Police responded to the incident in the Scrabo estate around 6:30 p.m. local time. According to authorities, the injured individuals received first aid at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Due to the perceived risk to public safety, specially trained officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) made the decision to “destroy” the dog at the scene.

A PSNI spokesman stated, “Police attended a property in the Rathmullen drive area of Newtownards on Thursday, April 3, following a report that a dog attacked a man and a woman. the man and woman were given first aid for their injuries at the scene before being conveyed to hospital. The dog was destroyed by specially trained officers, due to the risk to the public. As is normal procedure, the office of the Police Ombudsman have been informed.”

The incident has prompted strong reactions from local officials and the community.

DUP councillor Stephen McIlveen expressed his concern,stating it was,”worrying news coming from the Scrabo this evening,with an XL bully type dog having to be killed by armed police.” He further added, “I’m hoping that no one is seriously injured. It’s terribly sad that an animal has been killed in this way, but a heavily populated area where there are young children is not a suitable place for dogs such as these that are known to pose such a risk.”

The shooting occurred amidst a backdrop of evolving legislation concerning XL bully-type dogs. As of the beginning of 2025,owning an XL bully in Northern Ireland without an exemption certificate is illegal. To qualify for an exemption, dogs must be microchipped, licensed, and covered by third-party insurance. Furthermore, neutering is a mandatory condition for exemption, although the procedure can be completed after the application is submitted.

XL bully-type dogs were officially added to the list of restricted breeds in Northern Ireland last summer.

Breed-Specific Legislation: A Contentious Issue

The incident in Newtownards has reignited a long-standing debate surrounding breed-specific legislation (BSL). BSL, which aims to reduce dog attacks by restricting or banning specific breeds deemed “risky,” is a contentious issue in the United States as well.

Advocates of BSL argue that certain breeds, due to their physical characteristics and temperament, pose a greater risk of serious injury or death in the event of an attack. They point to statistics, frequently enough debated, that suggest certain breeds are disproportionately involved in bite incidents. Proponents also highlight the potential for BSL to prevent future attacks by reducing the population of these breeds.

Though,opponents of BSL argue that it is indeed discriminatory,ineffective,and based on unreliable data. They contend that focusing on breed is a flawed approach, as any dog, irrespective of breed, can become aggressive due to factors such as inadequate training, abuse, neglect, or improper socialization. Opponents also point out the difficulty in accurately identifying breeds, especially mixed breeds, and the potential for misidentification to lead to the unjust targeting of innocent dogs.

Furthermore,critics argue that BSL can create a false sense of security,as it does not address the underlying causes of dog aggression and can divert resources from more effective prevention strategies,such as responsible pet ownership education and enforcement of animal control laws.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is firmly against breed-specific legislation, and has stated, ” Animal control laws and policies should not be based on breed.”

The Situation in the United States

In the United States, BSL is implemented at the local level, with varying regulations across different cities and counties.Some jurisdictions ban specific breeds altogether, while others impose restrictions such as mandatory muzzling, increased insurance requirements, or limitations on where certain breeds can be kept.

pit bull-type dogs are the most common target of BSL in the U.S. The term “pit bull” encompasses several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and mixed breeds with similar characteristics. Other breeds sometimes targeted by BSL include Rottweilers,Doberman Pinschers,German Shepherds,and Chow chows.

The legal landscape surrounding BSL in the U.S. is complex and constantly evolving. Some states have enacted laws that prohibit or restrict local governments from enacting BSL, while others allow it. Court challenges to BSL are common, with varying outcomes depending on the specific laws and factual circumstances involved.

Alternatives to Breed-Specific Legislation

Given the controversy surrounding BSL, many animal welfare organizations and experts advocate for choice approaches to preventing dog attacks. These strategies focus on responsible pet ownership, education, and the enforcement of animal control laws.

Some examples of alternative strategies include:

• Dangerous dog laws: These laws focus on the behavior of individual dogs, rather than breed, and allow authorities to take action against dogs that have been deemed dangerous due to aggressive behavior
• enhanced animal control enforcement: Increased funding for animal control agencies can enable them to more effectively investigate and respond to dog bite incidents, enforce leash laws, and address issues of animal neglect and abuse.
• Public education programs: Educational initiatives can promote responsible pet ownership, teach children how to safely interact with dogs, and raise awareness about the importance of dog training and socialization.
• Mandatory microchipping and registration: Requiring all dogs to be microchipped and registered can help authorities identify owners of stray or dangerous dogs and hold them accountable for their animals’ actions.
• Breed-neutral dangerous dog ordinances: These ordinances focus on the dog’s behavior, regardless of breed. They often include provisions for declaring a dog “dangerous” based on specific actions, such as biting or aggressive behavior, and impose requirements on the owner, such as muzzling, fencing, or special training.

Moving forward

The shooting of the dog in Newtownards serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with dog attacks and the complexities of managing animal behavior. As communities grapple with these issues, it is crucial to engage in informed and constructive dialog about responsible pet ownership, effective prevention strategies, and the role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety.

For U.S. readers, the tragic event in Northern Ireland mirrors ongoing debates within their own communities regarding dangerous dog breeds and how best to protect the public. A balanced approach that emphasizes education,responsible ownership,and clear,enforceable laws,rather than simply targeting specific breeds,may prove to be the most effective path forward.