Investigation after 23-year-old woman dies in dog attack

An investigation is under way after a 23-year-old woman died following a dog attack in Co Limerick.

Gardaí received a report of a serious incident at a house near the village of Ballyneety, a rural area around 12km from Limerick city, at around 11.40pm last night.

The woman was found inside a gated entrance at the premises.

She was treated at the scene but later pronounced dead.

Her body was removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out.

There was no one else at the premises at the time.

Four dogs suspected to be from a restricted breed were seized from the property.

The animal believed to be involved in the incident was destroyed.

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Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said she was “absolutely appalled” at the news of the young woman’s death.

In a statement, the minister said she has been working towards “more action” in relation to dog control.

She said: “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.

“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.

“I am committed to working with colleagues across Government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws,” added Ms Humphreys.

Under the Control of Dogs Regulations, there are rules that restrict ownership and controls of several dog breeds including American and English Pit Bulls, Dobermans and German Shepherds.

Any dog on the restricted dog breed list must be kept on a strong lead by a person over 16, must be muzzled at all times in public places and must always wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner.

Proposed restrictions and safeguards on owning certain dog breeds in Northern Ireland were announced in March.

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