Woman, 50s, seriously injured following Carlow dog attack

Enquiries are ongoing following the violent incident in Carlow Town

A woman was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after she was attacked by a dog, believed to be a pitbull terrier, in Carlow town today.

The woman, who is in her 50s, is believed to have suffered injuries to her face and head in the attack at approximately 2pm today.

The woman was removed from her home, understood to be in Ashfield, Blackbog Road, and was taken by air ambulance to the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Gardaí said that her injuries are believed to be serious.

The woman was attacked by one of her own dogs in her home, it is understood.

A vet who attended the scene believed that the dog was a restricted breed. The dog was euthanised and the scene was preserved for technical examination.

A dog warden was also requested at the scene this afternoon.

"Gardaí and emergency services attended the home following reports of a dog attack at a residential property in Carlow Town this afternoon," a garda statement said.

Garda enquiries are ongoing.

Mayor of Carlow, Fine Gael councillor Paul Doogue, said that the people of Carlow's thoughts and prayers were with the woman tonight.

"It is distressing news. Your heart would go out to her and her family," Mr Doogue said.

"I'm thinking of her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

"It's awful for something like this to happen and just after Christmas, as we're moving into the New Year."