Attack on teenager prompts dangerous dogs plea

A clampdown on dog control laws was urged tonight after a young girl was mauled by a pit bull terrier while playing with her friends.

The 13-year-old victim, Louise Kelly, was left needing surgery after her horrific ordeal at Rathvilly Park housing estate in Finglas, north Dublin.

She is said to be traumatised in hospital after the unmuzzled dog broke free from its leash, locked its jaws into her leg and dragged her around the road.

It is believed the dog owner’s nephew, who is also 13 years old, was taking the pit bull for a walk around 9pm last night when the attack happened.

The dog was impounded today by the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) and is likely to be put down, according to Inspector John Kelly, of Blanchardstown Garda Station.

He said dog control legislation outlaws dangerous breeds being in public without a muzzle or being under the care of anyone under the age of 18.

The Gardaí have launched an investigation into the incident and are to question the dog’s owner.

A file will be prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide if criminal proceedings should be taken, said Inspector Kelly.

The savage attack was a clear indication that the dog control laws were not strong enough and not properly resourced, said the Labour Party’s Mary Upton.

“That poor little girl was seriously injured by a pit-bull terrier, and despite the known dangers associated with certain breeds of dog, there is no restriction on owning or breeding such animals here,” she said.

“We do have laws which 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.”

She urged the Government to consider an outright ban on certain breeds before a more serious attack results in tragedy.

A five-year-old girl died last month after she was attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog at her grandmother’s house in Merseyside in the UK.

“Many are bred as fighting dogs, and by their very nature have an aggressive predisposition,” said Ms Upton.

“There is a case to be made for setting up a national inspectorate to deal specifically with the most aggressive breeds.”

Progressive Democrat Senator Tom Morrissey said some owners of pit bull terriers and other aggressive breeds were allowing the dogs to roam unleashed at great danger to children.

He stressed families should be entitled to go for a walk without fear of a child being bitten or mauled by dangerous dogs.

“Some of these aggressive breeds represent a social menace,” said the Dublin North senator.

“Their owners must take responsibility. It is wrong to allow them to roam around without a leash.”