Tougher laws demanded following dog attack

A NORTHSIDE woman whose pet was fatally injured in a horrific attack has called for new dog control laws to be introduced.

Deirdre Daly, from Clontarf, made the call after two dogs savaged her dog Teddy (inset), a small Bichon Frise, on Dollymount Strand on June 18.

The severely injured dog was taken to the vet where, tragically, he had to be put down.

Heartbroken Ms Daly said the dogs that attacked Teddy were a mixed breed of dog on the dangerous dogs’ list and were running free on the beach with no leash and no muzzle. 

Following the traumatic incident, which was widely reported in the national media, Ms Daly said it received a huge reaction from other local dog owners who are now “afraid” to bring their dogs to public places including Clontarf seafront, Dollymount and Fairview Park.

Ms Daly is now calling for tougher laws to be introduced to punish the owners of dogs on the dangerous dogs’ list if they are involved in similar attacks that have devastating consequences.

“These dogs, on the list, by law, should not be allowed to run free without a leash and a muzzle in public places,” she said. 

“The laws need to be changed because at the moment the owners can escape with just paying a fine.

“I want signs put up in public places calling for owners to be responsible for the control of their dogs and abide by the law.” 

Since the incident Ms Daly has been liaising with Dublin City Council’s Dog Warden service and Raheny Garda Station in a bid to see the owner of Teddy’s attackers apprehended.

Meanwhile, she is urging other dog owners to contact the Government and email their own personal views in strict confidence, calling for tougher laws to be introduced ([email protected]). 

Meanwhile, the Dog Warden can be contacted on 01-8683726 if people want to report any incidents.    

A spokesperson for the Garda Press Office told Northside People: “I can confirm gardai at Raheny are investigating an incident where a dog was fatally injured following an attack by two other dogs on June 18 at 8am on Dollymount Beach.

“The owner and the dogs were not identified despite an extensive search of the area. “Unfortunately, the dog had to be put down. No arrests have been made to date and investigations are ongoing.”

A spokeswoman for Dublin City Council said its Dog Wardens work under the Control of 
Dogs Act 1986, the 
Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992 and the Control of Dogs Regulations. 

She said the Department of Rural and Community Development is currently reviewing the Control of Dogs legislation.  

“The Department has published a public consultation paper in relation to the control of dogs in Ireland,” she 
said.  

“The consultation opened on July 1 and will close for submissions on Friday, September 6.

“The consultation paper poses 10 specific questions and among other things, it asks whether Ireland should continue to have additional controls in place for specific breeds of dogs.

See link below:

https://www.gov.ie/en/news/49b8bc-minister-canney-announces-public-consultation-relating-to-the-contro/

Interested parties are invited to make written submissions or comments on the questions asked, and to send them by email to [email protected] by 5.30pm on September 6. 

People may also post their submission to the Dog Control Unit, Department of Rural and Community Development, Government Buildings, Ballina, County Mayo. F26 E8N6.