Ireland needs to have an “urgent discussion” about dangerous dogs, Sinn Féin has said.
The call comes after a second dog attack this week left a couple in Cork hospitalised, with a woman in Limerick reportedly killed by her XL Bully dog on Tuesday.
This has led some dog experts to recommend education of owners be mandated by law.
Dangerous dogs
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire believes more education would make the public safer.
“Education is crucial,” he said.
“People who own these dogs need to understand that they [have] the potential to harm and they need to be aware of how to ensure that they are handled correctly.
“I do think that needs to be examined.”
An XL Bully dog. Credit: Justin Griffiths-Williams/Alamy Live NewsA review into whether certain dog breeds should be banned is currently underway and Minister Heather Humphreys has said she will act on any recommendation.
Sinn Féin believes the issue should be at the top of the political agenda.
“It’s an issue of welfare for people, first of all, but there is also the issue of the welfare of animals,” Deputy Ó Laoghaire said.
“But also the welfare of animals because there are many animals who are being mistreated and it’s very clear the regime that exists in terms of the control of dogs legislation isn’t adequate.
“So, this clearly needs to come up the agenda, it needs an urgent discussion as to whether the legislation is adequate.”
Last year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in England and Wales following a spate of attacks. The Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive announced they would follow up with their own restrictions as well.
Main image: An XL Bully.
Read more: Limerick dog attack victim Nicole Morey remembered as 'gentle'
