A man in his 20s has been hospitalised following a dog attack in northeast Donegal.

The man was bitten by the dog, understood to be a rottweiler, near the village of Muff yesterday morning. 

He was brought to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Donegal Councillor Terry Crossan is calling for better dog policing following the attack – noting three lambs were killed in the area last week.

“Two dogs were at large and got into a property and killed three wee pet lambs that somebody’s grandchildren had been looking after,” he said. 

“The problem was it happened over a bank holiday and there was no available dog warden. 

The dog warden is available Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 1.30pm and is not available on holidays. 

“We need a designated line [where] we can contact dog wardens in the case of a serious incident,” Cllr Crossan said. 

Dog attack increase

This attack follows the death of 23-year-old Nicole Morey in Limerick, who was attacked by an XL bully. 

Three dogs were removed from the scene of the attack and at least one dog was destroyed by Gardaí. 

There have been calls to introduce a ban on restricted dog breeds in Ireland, similar to legislation in the UK. 

Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was his “instinctive” view that a ban is needed and supported a cross-Governmental taskforce exploring the issue. 

“But what I certainly know is action is needed and I certainly want this taskforce to come to a conclusion as a matter of urgency,” he said. 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he did not think people should keep an XL bully as a pet.  

“I would favour the banning of particular dogs - restricted breeds in particular who are a danger to people and children in particular,” he said. 

Any ban would require legislation to be passed by the Oireachtas.