Call for dog control enforcement after killing of baby boy

THE KILLING of a baby boy by a Rottweiler in Britain highlights the need for authorities here to update and better enforce dog control legislation, according to the Labour Party.

Archie-Lee Andrew Hirst, aged 13-months, was snatched from the arms of a seven-year-old girl by a Rottweiler in the back yard of his grandparents’ home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire on Friday.

According to Deputy Joe Costello, most Irish counties have only one warden charged with enforcing the Control of Dogs Act, while Dublin has three — the same figure as it had 20 years ago.

“It’s completely unrealistic for anybody to expect these officers to be able to deal with all of these rules and regulations with such a paltry level of support.

“If we believe that dog control is an important issue, then dog warden services must be resourced properly,” said Mr Costello.

“The Control of Dogs Act does require all dogs to be licensed and for particular breeds to be muzzled, but the enforcement of these laws leaves a lot to be desired due to low warden numbers.

“We have all seen instances where these dogs are allowed roam our streets without a lead, never mind a muzzle.

“Many are bred as fighting dogs, and by their very nature have an aggressive predisposition,” added Mr Costello.

The Control of Dogs Act doesn’t place any restriction on the selling, breeding or ownership of these breeds — another point that needs to be reviewed, says Mr Costello.

Under Irish law the American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, bull mastiff, doberman pinscher, German shepherd (alsatian) and rottweiler among others must be muzzled and on a short, strong lead in a public place, and controlled by a person aged 16 or above.