The incident in which Nicole Morey was fatally attacked by her dogs last Tuesday night was reported to emergency services by a man who viewed it on a security camera, sources connected with the inquiry revealed on Thursday. He did everything within his ability to assist her, even though he was not physically present at the scene of the attack.
Ms Morey, originally from Limerick City, had just returned to her rented home in Fedamore, County Limerick, late on Tuesday at approximately 11.30pm, following her 23rd birthday celebrations. Upon unlocking her house, she was savagely attacked by her four dogs.
In a confirmation by a high-ranking Garda official this Thursday evening, it was revealed that the dogs, all of which were included on a restricted breeding list, were put down by the officials. Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster, performed an autopsy on Ms Morey’s body on Thursday. The autopsy report release has been delayed due to “operational reasons”, as explained by a source, but there is no suspicion of criminal activity in relation to her death.
The original footage of the horrifying incident was first shared with emergency services by the man who had access to it, then with Ms Morey’s family in order to make them aware of the situation. However, this occurred after he had first alerted emergency services.
The source further emphasized that the person who viewed the incident was, unfortunately, not present at Ms Morey’s house and largely powerless, so his primary action was to call emergency services.
As the video was also shared with Ms Morey’s family, Garda has urged the public not to redistribute it out of respect for the departed. In memory of Ms Morey, her mother, Lisa Morey, hosted a vigil at her house in Bawnmore View, Crossagalla, Limerick, on Thursday night, drawing a crowd of over 200 attendees.
At a vigil led by her sister, Jolene Morey, hundreds of colourful balloons were released into the air accompanied by some of Ms Morey’s much-loved tunes played aloud. The family of Ms Morey gathered under the flurry of balloons, shedding tears and offering each other solace, whilst neighbours and friends shared in their sorrow.
Authorities were the first ones to reach the scene where a fatal dog attack took place, with a family member arriving shortly after. Upon arrival, officers from the Regional Armed Support Unit were met by four aggressive canines. One of the dogs was shot and killed on the spot, whilst the other three were restrained and taken into warden custody where they were later put down.
Despite the tireless efforts of the first responders to save Ms Morey, she tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is being conducted by the Roxboro Road Garda station.
Her death has stirred up a renewed conversation about whether Ireland should impose a ban on dogs like the XL Bully, allegedly involved in this tragic incident.