Limerick council and gardai bare their teeth after ‘surge in dog attacks’

DUE TO A concerning surge in dog-attack related incidents, Limerick City and County Council, in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, are urging heightened awareness and responsibility.

Recent events have shed light on the escalating presence of formidable breeds in Limerick city and county, including the XL Bully and Cane Corso, necessitating a collective effort to ensure public safety.

Sinead Hourigan, administrative officer, veterinary services at Limerick City and County Council,  said a worrying recent escalation in dog-related incidents requires heightened vigilance.

 “Working with An Garda Siochana, the council’s message to the Limerick public is to consider the  implications before welcoming a potentially dangerous dog into your home and into your community. 

“The introduction of higher fines and current scrutiny of dog breeds at a national level, underscores a commitment to public safety and the need for responsible ownership,” said Ms Hourigan. 

Superintendent Andrew Lacey (pictured above), community engagement Limerick City,  said gardai are delighted to partner with the council to embark on this collective effort to ensure public safety through this awareness and enforcement  campaign. 

“The focus is on anyone suspected of owning, using, and breeding restricted breeds of dangerous dogs, while also enforcing the law in respect of muzzling and leash requirements of restricted breeds in public,” said Supt Lacey.  

He said while the new government-appointed taskforce is welcome and will examine measures to strengthen Ireland’s laws on dog control “we feel that anecdotally and through reported incidents that there is growing prevalence of offences in Limerick and action needs to be taken”. 

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Supt Lacey said certain dog breeds are growing in popularity and people may not be aware of the potential dangers.

“With more than 1,500 dog attacks reported to An Garda Síochána in the last two years it is important that the message gets out that while individuals may feel they care for their dogs, they also have responsibilities under the law that need to be adhered to. 

“There must be a level of personal responsibility on the part of those who take on restricted breeds and bring them out in public. 

“At the forefront of the campaign will be educating individuals about the dangers associated with newly-introduced breeds like the XL Bully and Cane Corso but ultimately enforcement of the law will be needed to change behaviours and ensure public safety,”said Supt Lacey.

If you wish to report a stray or dangerous dog or rehome a dog, please call Limerick City and County Council dog shelter at 061 301604. 

List of restricted breeds are available online.