‘It’s not Jurassic Park’ – Govt hit out at ‘horrifying’ dog attacks as 343 treated for bites last year amid law alert
SOME 343 people were treated in Irish hospitals last year for dog bites.
They were all brought to emergency departments for treatment after being attacked by vicious mutts.
But the HSE — who released the stats — didn’t reveal the age profile of the victims or the extent of their injuries.
The figures were made public as the Government launches a new public campaign for dog owners to control their pets.
They are being ordered to keep their dogs on their leashes when they are out in public.
Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire wants a crackdown on owners who let their dogs run amok and for tougher new laws to hold them to account.
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The Cork Deputy said: “We have seen some very serious, horrifying attacks on people including children in recent years.
“We do not have enough dog wardens with only one for every 3,000 dogs.”
Alejandro Mizsan, who is now 11, was horrifically injured after being mauled by an XL Bully dog while playing in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, in November 2022.
The dog owners were caged for two years. Rural Minister Heather Humphreys recently ordered a review of all pup laws.
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And Fine Gael’s deputy leader hit out at people who are cross-breeding vicious devil dogs.
She added: “It is not Jurassic Park here. People should not need to breed dogs just for the sole purpose of making them as vicious as possible.
“These dogs are just fashion statements for criminals.”
She has ordered a full review of all dog laws headed up by former top Garda John Twomey.
Every Government policy in relation to the control of dogs is now being looked at and she expects a report back later this year.
On-the-spot fines under the Control of Dog Act have also recently increased from €100 to €300.