'Only a threat to a sandwich' - Distraught woman on RTÉ radio forced to rehome 'dangerous' dog

This Tuesday on RTÉ's Liveline with Joe Duffy, a distraught woman, Sarah, shared her story of being forced to give up her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Buster.

Sarah's housing association, Tuath Housing, has requested Buster be removed from the property due to their rules prohibiting certain breeds deemed 'dangerous' under Irish law.

Despite acknowledging the restrictions regarding certain breeds, including her 'Staffy' before moving in, Sarah believed in Buster's gentle nature, saying he plays a large role in comforting her seven-year-old daughter, who suffers from night terrors.

Now, Sarah has just under 14 days to rehome 10-year-old Buster after he was discovered through a photograph taken by a neighbour. 

"He’s the sweetest little soul," Sarah said. "He’s never done a thing wrong. The only threat he poses is to an unattended sandwich."

Tuath Housing defended their stance, citing safety concerns and the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, which lists Staffordshire Bull Terriers among ten restricted breeds, including Rottweilers and Dobermann Pinschers. 

Sarah pleaded to have Buster undergo a temperament test, however, the housing officer indicated that no exceptions could be made.

Listeners of the show voiced strong opinions. Maria from France voiced her outrage over the policy, saying she has had experience with Staffordshire Bull Terriers in Australia. Here, Maria says, they are affectionately known as 'nanny dogs' due to their gentle nature with children. "There is no such thing as a dangerous breed, she stated. "It's the proprietor. It's the person who owns the dog."

However, Anne, another caller, pointed out that dogs can become more unpredictable with age, referencing a fatal incident involving another restricted breed.

There has been no update from Sarah regarding Buster's rehoming at time of publication.