A female resident suffered injuries after an attack from a pit bull terrier in Co Cork, leading to the intervention of the Garda Emergency Response Unit who were forced to shoot the canine. The unsettling episode took place in a private residence on Connolly Road, Ballyphehane, Cork city, just a few days following the tragic death of 23-year-old Nicola Morey, who met her end under similar circumstances in Ballyneety, Limerick, after an attack from her XL bully, a size variant of the American pit bull terrier.
Authorities were dispatched to the scene when the aggressive canine inflicted injuries on the woman, lacerating her arm and leg. An additional family member also sustained a bite to the arm while trying to control the dog. Under Irish law, pit bull terriers are one of the 11 dog breeds subject to restrictions.
For the situation at hand, Gardaí required additional support from the Emergency Response Unit. Attempts were made to restrain the animal and a veterinary surgeon was brought in but sedation attempts failed. The dog was eventually shot by an Armed Support Unit officer and subsequently euthanised by the veterinarian.
Both victims were transported to Cork University Hospital to receive medical care for soft tissue injuries. Speaking on Cork’s 96FM Opinionline show, Vincent Cashman, a representative from the CSPCA, commented on the incident. Describing pit bulls as large, solid animals capable of inflicting serious harm, he stated that the dog involved in the incident was extremely agitated, leading to the decision to humanely euthanise it after several unsuccessful capture attempts. Cashman further emphasised the formidable strength of these dogs, recounting an instance of one pit bull weighing an impressive 11 stone.