Ireland needs a review of its restricted dog breed legislation in the wake of the attack on a young child in Enniscorthy.
Nine-year-old Alejandro Miszan was left with life-changing facial injuries after he was attacked on Sunday.
The dog involved was a pit bull or pit bull cross and was put down later that evening.
The attack has led to renewed calls for proper enforcement of restricted dog breed legislation – and even for certain breeds to be banned.
Meanwhile, dog owners have insisted that, with the proper training, restricted breeds are not dangerous.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne called for a review of Ireland’s restricted breed laws.
“I think our first obligation as legislators is to ensure that every citizen is safe,” he said.
“We can’t have a situation where nine-year-olds can’t go out to play for fear of being attacked by dogs.”
Under the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulations the following breeds are restricted in Ireland:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bull Mastiff
- Dobermann Pinscher
- English Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The legislation also restricts every breed commonly known as a Bandog and all strain and crosses of the breeds on the restricted list.
All restricted dogs must be muzzled in public and kept on a short lead held by a person of at least 16-years-of-age.
"Clearly being flouted"
Senator Byrne said the rules are “quite clear” but they are also “clearly being flouted”.
“I think a review needs to happen,” he said.
“I don’t think we should necessarily make a knee-jerk reaction; however, the bottom line at the end of all of this is, we have got to make sure it is safe for children to go out and play and do what children do safely.
“Not just children. I’m sure your listeners can also provide incidents of attacks that have happened all around the country. There are attacks that happen on other animals and this just isn’t on.
“I think the question has to be asked as to why does somebody need to necessarily own a particular breed. Why does somebody need to own a pit bull?”
Dog owners
He noted that most dog owners are very responsible; however, when you are dealing with very dangerous animals, you can’t allow them to fall into the hands or irresponsible people.
He said a full review should take place involving local authorities, dog wardens and animal welfare organisations.
“The underlying key condition has to be that everybody is safe in the community and we don’t see these type of dog attacks happening again,” he said.
“If that requires a ban, we should go with it.”
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