More muscle sought for Laois dog control following attack on Wexford child

Laois County Council has been urged to put extra funds and time into its dog warden service to protect people from dangerous breeds.

A request is made in light of the devastating attack by an uncontrolled dog on a young boy in Enniscorthy, Wexford.

Cllr Noel Touhy tabled a motion to the December meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, urging the council to ensure that "owners of dog breeds that require a muzzle are following the rules and are not allowed to roam freely," he said.

"We are all aware of the recent attack on a child by a dog in Enniscorthy and the catastrophic aftermath of this.

"We have spent time and energy on a campaign to deal with dog fouling which is unpleasant and unacceptable but this is a much more serious matter which can literally be a matter of life and death," he said.

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Cllr Tuohy was not content with the council's reply (below), and listed the rate of injuries from dog attacks.

"That's a sad response. We have people breaking the law and you're telling people to make calls. It is not in our psyche to make calls and report people. That child will be getting operations on his face for years to come. 

"There were 329 dog attacks requiring hospitalisation in Ireland in 2021. If one comes to our door then we'll do something about it.

"This Christmas puppies will be brought home. If you saw a fella walking along with a knife in his hand you'd say 'he's up to no good'. If he was walking with two rothweilers unmuzzled he is also up to no good. I saw a dog savaged to death once, the owner nearly lost his hand trying to intervene. This is an accident waiting to happen," he warned.

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In response, Laois County Council had said that its dog warden will "continue to ensure compliance with regard to restricted breeds under the Control of Dog Regulations 1988.

"Our environmental complaints system provides for complaints regarding dogs to be logged and referred to the dog warden," they said.

They also said the public can call the Gardaí or the Laois SPCA with any concerns.