Tributes paid to young woman killed in dog attack in Limerick

TRIBUTES have been paid to a young woman who was killed in a dog attack in Limerick on Tuesday night.

Gardaí attended the scene of the incident at the domestic residence located between Ballyneety and Fedamore at 11:40pm.

A 23 year-old woman was fatally injured in the attack.

The young woman is believed to originally be from Moyross but had been living in County Limerick for the last number of years.

It is understood that the woman celebrated her birthday yesterday.

Friends paid tribute to the young woman on social media following the news of her passing.

One said: "I’m so heartbroken, on the day of your birthday I love you".

Another read: "A heart of gold she had god bless her" while another said she was "taken too soon".

The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. Her body has been removed from the scene to University Hospital Limerick where a post mortem examination will take place.

The animal believed to be involved in the incident has now been destroyed. A number of other dogs have also been seized.

Councillor Frankie Daly called for restricted dog breeds to be banned in Ireland following the incident.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this really sad time. 

"There was a similar incident in Wexford where a young boy was left seriously hurt. That should have been a warning. 

"Everybody knows that these are vicious dogs, there is a ban on them in the UK and I would call for a ban on them here too."

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys said she was appalled by the news and expressed her sympathies to the family following the "deeply shocking" incident. 

"I have consistently said that more action is required in relation to dog control.

"That’s why I have set up a cross Governmental stakeholder group, chaired by the retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, to examine this whole area. That group’s work is underway. 

READ MORE: Young woman dies following dog attack in Limerick

“I have asked the group to examine the restricted breeds list, in line with actions being taken in the UK and Northern Ireland.

“I am committed to working with colleagues across Government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws.”

Aontú’s Sarah Beasley renewed calls for the appointment of an ISPCA Inspector for Limerick.

"My heart goes out to this young lady and her family. It is a horribly tragic incident.

"There is no doubt that we do have issues with dogs in Limerick and  it is indeed is incredible that Limerick does not have a full time ISPCA Inspector.

"I have been calling for this for years and this tragedy points to an urgent need for this appointment to be made".

An investigation in to the incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Roxboro Road garda station on 061 214 340, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.