A tragic incident has taken place in County Limerick where a woman lost her life following an aggressive dog attack. The victim, known in the local area as 23-year-old Nicole O’Donnell Morey, sadly lost her life near her residence in Ballyneety in the wee hours of a Wednesday.
Nicole Morey, originally a resident of Limerick City, succumbed to her injuries after suffering an attack from one or possibly more dogs. Armed police forces were called to the scene shortly before midnight on Tuesday. Upon confronting a number of hostile dogs at the location, they neutralised one and managed to hold back three others. It is suggested that these dogs were part of a regulated breeding programme that mandates muzzling.
Local individuals mention that Ms Morey was brutally attacked by one of her dogs, thought to be an XL bully, a larger variant of an American pit bull. Despite the tireless efforts of emergency responders at the scene, Ms Morey tragically passed away. Her remains were transported to the University Hospital Limerick for a postmortem examination.
Nicole’s sister, Jolene, shared her grief on Facebook: “My heart is crushed anew on your birthday. I was just speaking to you moments before I attempted to help you in every way I could. I’m terribly sorry Nicole, I love you so much, it feels like a horrific nightmare.”
Her granduncle Anthony O’Donnell, 58, was informed of the tragedy by distressed family members. He described the harrowing story: “On her 23rd birthday, she returned home and was viciously attacked by the dog after opening the front door. The police who arrived at the site found the dogs assaulting her, and they had to fire at the dog to prevent him from further attacking her. That’s the information that other family members relayed to me,” he explained.
In his tribute to his grandniece, Mr O’Donnell painted the picture of “a charming young woman with a generous heart who would help you out rather than turn you away.” He stated: “She was an honourable, quiet girl, very much a private person.”
Father Richard Davern, a close family associate, led a remembrance service at St Mary’s Church, Athlunkard, Limerick for the deceased. Even he found it hard to put the shock and horror of the incident into words. “Everyone is just taken aback by the monstrosity of the event,” expressed Fr Davern. In a conversation he had earlier with a past educator of hers, he was told Nicole was an individual of charming character with education-based ambitions, particularly wanting to train as a Special Needs Assistant. He extended his compassion towards her, those who arrived at the scene first, and the emergency workers dealing with the aftermath.
On Wednesday, the Garda Scenes of Crime Unit executed a careful inspection of areas within and outside the residence. Local Gardaí had cordoned off the property’s entrance gate and a lane next to it. The house, a two-storey building, is located on a country road between Ballyneety and Fedamore, about 18 km from Limerick City. Local rural residents voiced their disbelief at the incident.
Authorities made an appeal to the public and the media not to share any footage related to this devastating incident online, out of respect for the deceased, through a notice from the Garda Press Office. An event has been planned by family members and friends for Thursday evening in Limerick to honour Ms Morey, which includes releasing purple and yellow balloons.
Earlier in the same day as Ms Morey’s fatal dog attack incident, local media in Limerick had been warned about dog attacks by the Gardaí. An advisory was issued following an incident in Limerick city where a nine-year-old boy had facial injuries due to a dog attack on 29th May. Sgt Ber Leetch, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda station, advised the public to ensure both their dog’s safety and the safety of individuals it might interact with.
Sgt Leetch emphasised the importance of recognising whether one’s own dog belongs to the list of restricted breeds. If in doubt, owners can refer to dogs.ie. She underlined that specific regulations are in place for these breeds which include public muzzling, using a brief leash, tagging a collar with the owner’s details, and the handler must be over the age of 16. These guidelines are implemented for the protection of all, including the pet.
In a tragic incident that took place on the 29th of May, an inner-city dog bit a boy aged nine, causing facial damage that required hospital treatment. This incident occurred on the same evening Sgt Leetch appealed for responsible pet ownership. She was alluding to this tragic event, amongst others, which resulted in the late Ms Morey’s death.
Through lines 1800 666 111 or (061) 214 340, the public are encouraged to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station or any local Garda station for additional information on the matter.
In response to the event, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, who also oversees dog legislation, expressed her shock. Deputy Garda Commissioner (retired) John Twomey is leading a government-founded team that is studying intensifying dog controls.
Ireland doesn’t ban any dog breeds but implements restrictions on certain breeds. These include American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, and Bandog. Ms Humphreys expressed her intent to review the restricted breeds list, mirroring actions taken in Britain and Northern Ireland.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee, when speaking to News at One on RTÉ radio, voiced her belief in the necessity for a ban on specific dog breeds especially where a pattern of dangerous behaviour from a particular breed is observable. Ms McEntee concurred with a general notion that various factors contribute towards a dog becoming aggressive.
“While specific dog breeds have proven problematic in certain countries, it is vital that we assess our own strategies. We must contemplate implementing stricter regulations, but without disregarding the existing guidelines,” she continued. “We are committed to taking every necessary precaution to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy. This event has been truly devastating.”
“The incident was truly distressing and dreadful. My sympathy goes out to the unfortunate young lady’s family and her wider community. This is an uncommon occurrence, yet it is immensely traumatic for all those involved.”
Independent councillor from Limerick, Frankie Daly, pointed out his prior warnings regarding hazardous dogs, especially considering a prohibition on certain breeds in the UK led to an influx in Ireland. Daly appealed, “I urge the Government to outlaw such breeds.”