Certain types of dogs might be deemed illegal in Ireland if a dog control review suggests such a move to the government, stated a Minister in the wake of a woman’s tragic demise in Limerick on a Wednesday. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has beseeched the stakeholder group to deem the matter of restricted breeds urgently, following Nicole O’Donnell Morey’s fatal encounter at her home in Ballyneety from a dog in the early hours of Wednesday. On Wednesday, Humphreys expressed shock at the occurrence, conveying her disbelief someone’s life was claimed due to a dog attack, with her announcement coming as the police launched their investigation.
Ex-Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey was appointed as the independent head of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group back in March. This assembly comprises members from different government departments and interest groups and is expected to suggest ways to improve the policies and laws concerning dog control. Humphreys mentioned her request to Twomey on Wednesday to quickly address the issue of restricted breeds in Ireland.
Relaying this to journalists in Trim, Co Meath, she said, “With 11 restricted breeds under consideration, I asked them to view this as a priority in their work agenda.”
She further added,” I look forward to their feedback in the fall in relation to the next steps they believe I should undertake. If their guidance advocates for barring certain restricted breeds, I am more than willing to accept their suggestions and act accordingly.”
Supporting this sentiment, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee expressed her personal view on RTÉ radio’s ‘News at One’, stating that some dog breeds should be outlawed, particularly if there’s a regular occurrence of specific breeds exhibiting harmful behaviour. Acknowledging the argument that varying reasons could lead to a dog becoming violent, she reiterated the necessity of examining the situation in light of regular patterns observed in other nations and the consideration of existing rules.
Ms McEntee emphasised the urgency of taking essential steps to prevent such alarming incidents from reoccurring, pointing out the terror and immense heartbreak caused. “Such intense trauma isn’t generally seen,” she commented reiterating her deepest sympathy for the bereaved young lady’s close family and extended community.
Back in 2017, a tragic incident shook Co Galway when a woman in her 60s succumbed to death due to injuries inflicted by dogs. It had been reported that Teresa McDonagh lost her life after being viciously attacked by two bull mastiffs when she visited a relative’s residence in the Moycullen region. Her injuries were grave, resulting in her lifeless body being discovered at the spot.