Investigation To Take Place Following Death Of 23 Year Old Woman In Dog Attack In Limerick

An investigation has begun following the death of a 23 year old woman in a dog attack in Co Limerick.

This incident took place at a house near Ballyneety, which is a rural area located around 12km from Limerick City. This incident reportedly happened at around 11.40pm last night.

The woman's body was found at a gated entrance at the house. She was treated at the scene, before being pronounced dead. Her body was later taken to University Hospital Limerick, where a post mortem examination is expected to take place.

Nobody else was found at the premises.

Gardaí had received a report of this serious incident, and four dogs which are suspected to be from a restricted breed were also seized from the property. The animal who is believed to be involved in this tragic incident has been destroyed.

Gardaí have also appealed to anyone with information on this incident to get in touch with Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061 214 340, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.. 

"absolutely appalled"

In a statement, Heather Humphreys Minister for Rural and Community Development, has said that she was "absolutely appalled" at the news of this tragic death of a young woman from this dog attack, adding that she has been working towards "more action" regarding dog control. 

"I am absolutely appalled by the news that a woman has died following a dog attack in Limerick. I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to her family in what is a deeply shocking incident", she said. 

"I have consistently said that more action is required in relation to dog control. That's why I have set up a cross-governmental stakeholder group, chaired by the retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, to examine this whole area. That group’s work is under way.

"I have asked the group to examine the restricted breeds list, in line with actions being taken in the UK and Northern Ireland", the minister added. "I am committed to working with colleagues across Government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws". 

Elsewhere, the Limerick Mayor Ger Mitchell also expressed his shock over this horrific incident, saying that it was indeed alarming.

He also added that the number of dog attacks is worrying, suggesting that it might be time to revisit Ireland's restricted dog regulations to determine if certain dog breeds need to be prohibited altogether. 

According to the Control of Dogs Regulations, ownership of certain dogs are restricted and controls several dog breeds including Dobermans, German Shepherds, as well as American and English Pit Bulls.

Any dog from a restricted breed is obligated to be kept on a strong lead by a person over the age of 16, always wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner, as well as being muzzled at all times in public.