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DOG LAWS
‘Every dog attack is a tragedy’ – Calls for stricter dog laws & sanctions for owners after string of horror assaults
The recent attacks have underscored a growing concern about dog ownership and control in Ireland
IRELAND was shocked this week by the tragic death of Nicole Morey.
The young woman was mauled to death by her dogs, one of which is believed to be an XL bully, in a horror attack in Limerick after she returned home from celebrating her 23rd birthday.
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That horror was followed by another incident on Thursday in Cork when a woman was injured by a pit bull terrier in the yard of her home.
The dog was shot and killed by armed gardaí after it became aggressive in the incident.
The recent attacks have underscored a growing concern about dog ownership and control in Ireland.
While the country has a long-standing and affectionate relationship with dogs, these incidents have revealed the potential dangers of irresponsible dog ownership.
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Fianna Fail Senator Erin McGreehan will bring a Bill to the Seanad on Tuesday in a bid to strengthen legislation on dog control.
Below, she explains why owners who fail to keep their pets under control should face legal sanctions.
I have been deeply shocked by the dog attacks which have taken place this week. These attacks have resulted in horrific injuries and a devastating fatality. Every dog attack is a tragedy for the victim, the owner, the dog and the wider community.
There is no doubt that Irish people love their dogs. For most of us, dogs are not merely a pet or a working animal, they are a treasured companion. Our special relationship with our canine friends spans our history.
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The first reference to an Irish wolfhound appears in Roman writings from 391AD and it is thought that wolfhounds were not only a hunting dog but a family pet for the Celts.
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Dogs appear at pivotal points throughout our history, including during the Republican period. Political activist Countess Markievicz’s Poppet, a cocker spaniel, is visible in portraits from around 1917.
Today, dogs are front and centre in modern Irish culture. Think of the red setter depicted on Bus Éireann, or the beautiful wolfhound which appears on the new passport.
President Higgins’ Bernese Mountain dog, Misneach, has almost developed a cult following.
But, increasingly, the public conversation is turning away from our grá for dogs to the control of them and enforcement of restrictions.
We should not be in a situation where parents fear to bring their children to a park or where we have to abandon our public spaces due to concerns of a dog roaming.
Owners must be mindful of their responsibilities and the vulnerability of people and other animals to dog attacks.
On Tuesday, I will bring my Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to Seanad Éireann. I am seeking to strengthen legislation on dog control, thereby reducing the number of attacks.
THREAT TO LIFE
The purpose of the Bill is simple. When out walking in common areas, owners should keep their dogs under control and on a leash. Owners who fail to do this should face legal sanctions.
The Bill provides for dog control notices and if a person does not comply with it, they could face prosecution. People convicted of two offences under the Bill will lose the right to own a dog.
My Bill strengthens the role of local authorities and their ability to monitor the control of dogs. It introduces a mandatory maintenance of a dog licensing database, accessible by local authorities and also provides for notices relating to the exclusion of dogs from certain premises.
However, it also proposes an amendment to the Local Government Act 2001 to provide for public places where dogs can be off their leash.
This allows Local Authorities to, for example, designate certain areas of public parks as dog parks, where dogs can run and play with others, as done elsewhere in Europe.
These measures will ensure that dogs socialise in a safe manner.
As well as being a threat to human life, irresponsible dog ownership poses serious threats to our farmers and their animals.
LIVESTOCK ATTACKS
This is a fact we are all too aware of in my community on the Cooley Peninsula, where dog attacks have caused serious injury, and in some cases, death to sheep.
Livestock attacks are happening far too often. The figures compiled by local authorities show that there were 268 incidents of livestock worrying reported across the country in 2022.
These attacks have brought grave distress to farm families, as well as financial losses.
The strengthened legislation will provide protection for our farming community, ensuring their livestock can graze on their property without fear of a dog running loose.
In addition, I will be calling for increased resources and powers for dog wardens.
The public is by now well aware that there is a restricted dog list in Ireland.
NINE BREEDS UNDER WATCH
When in public places, the nine breeds on this list must be muzzled, kept on a short leash or chain by someone over the age of 16 who can control the dog, and wear a collar showing the name and address of the owner.
These restrictions can only be effective if the resources are put in place to enforce them.
We need extra dog wardens and with increased powers to enter properties.
I want to be clear about what is intended with this legislation and what is not.
As a dog owner, I know how precious and loved they are, but we must remember that they are animals and they deserve the respect and space that an animal requires.
My Bill is about encouraging responsible dog ownership.
It is not an attempt to remove dogs from public spaces or prevent people from owning a dog.
You will still be able to own a dog and walk it in public but you must be able to control it.
This way, we will create safer communities for people, livestock and for our dogs.