Sarah Harte: Rather than ban certain breeds, can people just control their dogs?

Yes, dogs can be life-enhancing in a myriad of ways. They just need responsible owners with a modicum of cop-on and consideration for others

In August, statistics released by the Department of Rural and Community Development showed 791 incidences of aggressive behaviour recorded in 2022, while the number of people physically injured, which includes damage to clothing, was 308.

Following a series of vicious attacks by Bully XL dogs in Britain, including a man mauled to death last week while defending his elderly mother, British prime minister Rishi Sunak said Bully XL dogs will be banned in Britain by the end of the year.

Unlike the UK, no dogs are banned in Ireland. Late last year, in Wexford, a Bully XL dog savaged nine-year-old Alejandro Mizsan requiring him to be airlifted to Crumlin Hospital, where he underwent two facial reconstruction surgeries for what were described as life-changing injuries. At the time of the attack Alejandro was outside playing, which is the right of every child to do so safely.