Even if someone is an irresponsible dog owner, the only solution to prevent serious accidents is banning certain dog breeds, according to Ciara Kelly. 

Gardaí are investigating an attack by two dogs at a home in Dún Laoghaire yesterday afternoon.

The woman is currently being treated at St Vincent’s Hospital. 

Newstalk Breakfast Presenter Ciara Kelly noted there are already some rules when you own certain dog breeds – but it isn’t enough. 

“Certain breeds need a two-foot leash, certain dogs need a muzzle in public,” she said. 

“Here's the thing – people are going to say it’s not about bad dogs, it’s about bad owners. 

“But do you know what? We can’t get rid of bad owners; we can get rid of dangerous dogs.” 

Ciara said she is a “sap for dogs” and a “huge dog person” - but there are simply certain dog breeds that shouldn’t be near people. 

“If you're a bad owner and you own a chihuahua it’s not going to do much harm even if you’ve turned it into a vicious attack dog,” she said. 

“If you are a bad owner and you own an XL bully, you have a weapon at the end of your leash – or possibly not at the end of the leash.” 

Dangerous dogs

Presenter Shane Coleman said he is also a dog person – but there are “certain dogs you just do not want to see off the lead”. 

“There are certain dogs if I see them in a park off the lead, I'm immediately fearful,” he said. 

Ciara said even if a dog’s behaviour is “the fault of the owner”, it’s ultimately the dogs that must be banned. 

“There are certain dogs that can do so much horrendous damage if they attack that I believe they should be banned,” she said. 

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys announced in July that there are plans to outlaw the breeding, importing, selling or rehoming of XL bully dogs from October this year. 

Current owners of XL bully dogs will be subject to strict new rules from next February. 

Special certificates will be needed to ensure the dogs are neutered and microchipped. 

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