Girl, 4, has lucky escape in attack by unmuzzled pitbull

A savage attack by an unmuzzled pitbull-type dog on a family pet in Tralee has led to calls for strict enforcement of dog control laws in Kerry’s county town.

Vicki Kennelly was walking Neeko, a pet husky, in a park at Shanakill, on the northern outskirts of Tralee, when the incident occurred.

A 4-year-old girl was patting Neeko’s head when the other dog swooped.

“I feel awful about what happened to my dog but, thank God, nothing happened to my friend’s little girl,” Ms Kennelly said.

“[The girl] was standing right next to my dog when the attack took place and, if he hadn’t kind of bumped her out of the way, she would have been right in the middle of them.”

Gardaí were called to the scene and are investigating. They managed to restrain the pitbull which was later put down, humanely.

The husky sustained severe leg and body injuries and lost part of its jaw. It is being treated by a vet.

Town councillor Cathal Foley (SF), who has highlighted problems with unmuzzled dogs, called for strict enforcement of laws governing certain dog breeds.

“Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before this (attack) happened,” he said. “Are we going to have to wait until a child is attacked before we start enforcing the law on the control of dogs in public places?”

Eleven specified dog breeds, including pitbull, rottweiler, and alsatian, are subject to strict regulations under the Dogs Act 1998.

A Garda spokesman rejected suggestions there was any serious problems with uncontrolled dogs in Tralee.