A dog incident in Ballyneety, Co Limerick resulted in the fatality of a female, aged 23. First responders declared her dead at the scene. Her remains were transferred to Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for an autopsy. The dog implicated in the attack has been euthanised, while several other canines have been confiscated, according to a statement from the Garda.
The investigation continues, and the Garda are calling on anyone in possession of pertinent details to get in touch with either the Roxboro Road Garda station or the Garda Confidential line.
This attack occurred shortly after law enforcement warned about a dog assaulting a child in Limerick city on 29th May. Crime Prevention Office representative at Henry Street Garda station, Sgt Ber Leetch, stated that the child in question had sustained facial wounds, necessitating hospital treatment.
The sergeant urged pet owners to recognise their responsibilities with restricted breed dogs, advising them to consult Dogs.ie if uncertain of their breed status. According to Sgt Leetch, these dogs must be publicly muzzled, led on a short leash, and wear a collar bearing their owner’s details, all while under the control of someone over the age of 16. Such regulations are for everyone’s safety, including the animal’s.
Upon hearing the news, Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Rural and Community Development in charge of dog legislation, expressed her deep outrage and condolences to the family of the deceased. She also stressed the need for justice and underscored a pro-active approach to dog control.
A government-designated task force, led by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, is currently exploring ways to tighten canine control regulations.
Although Ireland doesn’t prohibit any specific dog breeds, several breeds are subjected to certain restrictions. These breeds include American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terriers, bull mastiff, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd (commonly known as Alsatian), Rhodesian ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese akita, Japanese tosa, and the bandog.
These specific breeds must be managed on a robust, short lead by a person aged 16 or over. They must also be made to wear a muzzle when in the public and a collar that firmly displays the owner’s name and address at all times.
Ms Humphreys has expressed her intention to work with her governmental counterparts to enhance the dog control laws, if necessary. She has also directed the group to reassess the list of restricted breeds. This directive goes hand in hand with similar measures being undertaken in the UK and Northern Ireland.