Cork councillors call for DNA database for dogs to hold owners to account for attacks

Cork County councillors said mandatory database the only way there could be certainty in identifying dogs which may attack humans or livestock

The result of a dog attack on sheep: Cork County Council is writing to the Government seeking greater controls of dogs and stiffer penalties for owners who do not abide by legislation.

The country's largest local authority has called for the introduction of a mandatory DNA database for all dogs so owners can be held accountable if pets attack humans or livestock.

It comes after a number of high-profile incidents in recent months which saw livestock attacked, and a tragic case in Co Wexford which saw a nine-year-old child badly injured in a dog attack.