'Major rethink' needed on classification of dangerous dog breeds following Cork and Limerick attacks

TÁNAISTE Micheál Martin has indicated his support for more action in relation to dog control, stating that the overall protection of people — particularly children — has to be paramount.

Cork councillors have also called for more serious regulations to be put in place in the wake of two separate dog attacks that occurred this week, one in Cork which resulted in two people being hospitalised, and one in Limerick which was fatal.

“I personally cannot comprehend why one would have restricted breeds or breeds that are that dangerous,” Mr Martin said.

“We do need, I think, to take a very hard line on this now because children play in parks ... it simply is too dangerous.

“There are many household pets that we can have and dogs that are not a danger, or at least certainly not anywhere near the kind of potential danger that a restricted breed presents.

“I think we have to bear in mind the overall protection of society — particularly children and younger people who are vulnerable.”

Incident

Two people were taken to hospital following the dog attack incident on the southside of Cork city on Thursday.

Togher gardaí and the Armed Response Unit attended at a private residence in Ballyphehane at approximately 5.20pm, following reports of a pit bull terrier attacking residents.

Gardaí confirmed that a man and woman were injured by the dog and were transported to Cork University Hospital for medical assessment and treatment. They are believed to be the dog’s owners. The dog was shot by armed gardaí after failed attempts to sedate it.

“Gardaí engaged with the owner of the dog, and after failed attempts to sedate the animal, it was shot by the Armed Response Unit and euthanised by the vet,” a garda spokesperson said.

Thursday’s incident was the second this week in which a dog was shot after an attack. On Tuesday, Nicole O’Donnell Morey, 23, died after being attacked by a dog at her home in Ballyneety in Limerick. She had been celebrating her birthday in the hours before the incident.

'Very upset'

“In light of what happened in Limerick to poor Nicole, people were very upset about what happened in Ballyphehane,” said Independent councillor for Cork City South-Central Mick Finn.

“We’re all so upset over what happened in Limerick and for this to happen now again signals a need for a major rethink about how we classify dangerous breeds. I’m a dog person myself, but no dog person in their right mind could stand by and see these incidents continuing. We need much more serious regulations on these breeds of dog. I know there is a restriction on them in Ireland and in the UK they’ve introduced a ban, and I would be going down that route. I don’t think we should be subjecting families to this type of thing happening again.”

Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South-Central Fiona Kerins described the incident as “a horrendous thing to happen” and said she hopes those who suffered injuries in the incident make a full recovery.

Independent councillor for Cork City North-East Ken O’Flynn said the attacks were shocking and that laws need to be extended regarding certain dog breeds. “In particular Cork City Council needs to take an active role in the type of breeds of animals that are being housed in our housing stock,” he said.

There are several restricted dog breeds which must be kept collared with their owner’s information on a tag, muzzled in public, and on a short, strong lead with someone over the age of 16 who is able to control them.