Calls to ban ‘dangerous’ breed dogs in council estates

MOVES are under way to ban “dangerous breed” dogs — including Alsatians, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers — from council homes in Cork city.

Fine Gael Cllr Joe O’Callaghan called yesterday for a full debate on his proposed ban at the next council meeting, to be held in September.

He made the call after he received reports from constituents of two cases of attacks on people by Alsatians in council estates on the northside of the city in the past two weeks.

In one case, in Onslow Gardens, a child was severely injured. An adult was bitten in the other attack, in Mayfield.

Mr O’Callaghan said the time has come for Cork to follow Dublin’s lead — but he said a more realistic ban should be introduced Leeside.

“I want the council to agree that certain breeds of dogs are dangerous and not suitable to being kept in council-owned dwellings,” he said.

Those breeds are English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Doberman, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Japanese Akita, Bull Mastiff, Japanese Tosa and Bandog.

Dublin City Council’s proposed ban has run into trouble.

The council had proposed to give owners of these dogs time to find alternative accommodation. But if that could not be found, the animals would be taken away and destroyed.

It is now in the process of negotiating with its tenants.

But Mr O’Callaghan said Cork City Council should take a more realistic approach.

“We don’t have the resources to take control of the thousands of such breeds of dogs in our property,” he said.

“We should make it a part of our tenancy agreements that from now on, our tenants cannot keep these types of dogs in our properties.”

He has spoken to other councillors who broadly support his position, he said.

Council officials are understood to be considering the move.

The issue is due to be discussed when city council meetings resume in September.