Owners must keep dogs under control

I refer to the letter writer (Feb 20) mauled and pulled to the ground twice by a huge Alsatian in an horrific attack lasting 10 minutes.

His physical and mental scars will remain for some time. Attacks of this nature are not confined to Cork. A&E admissions for dog bite injuries have increased over the years.

While cycling along a country road I was accosted by two dogs of a vicious disposition forcing me to make a hasty retreat amid a volley of barks while their owner showed no concern whatsoever for my personal well-being. Section 9 of the 1986 Control of Dogs Act, states: “The owner or any other person in charge of a dog shall not permit the dog to be in any place other than the premises of the owner unless such owner accompanies it and keeps it under effectual control.”