A baby girl is recovering in hospital after being attacked by an XL Bully dog in Co Kerry. The 12-month-old was attacked at her home in the Lixnaw area of the county over the weekend. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The little girl underwent surgery and is said to be recovering well.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating and that a dog was destroyed by local veterinary services. “A child was seriously injured following a dog attack. She is currently receiving treatment at Cork University Hospital,” a spokesman said.
The latest XL Bully attack will further fuel debate surrounding the notorious breed, now the subject of a forthcoming ban. In June, Nicole Lisa Marie Morey (23), from Limerick city, was killed by her dogs, one of which was an XL Bully, when she returned to her home following a night out.
Another high-profile attack involved Alejandro Mizsan, a then 10-year-old boy from Co Wexford, who was left with serious facial injuries in 2022. From this October, the breeding, rehoming, reselling and importation of XL bully dogs will be prohibited.
Following that, from February next year, only those with a certificate of exemption – issued upon proof of licensing, microchipping and neutering – will be permitted to own one.
The Attack
A 12-month-old girl has reportedly been left “seriously injured” following an XL bully attack in Kerry. In a statement to JOE, Gardaí said they were made aware of the incident that occurred in Lixnaw on Saturday evening (17 August). “A child was seriously injured following a dog attack. She is currently receiving treatment at Cork University Hospital,” a Garda spokesperson said.
“The dog has since been destroyed by local veterinary services.” According to multiple outlets, the dog was an XL bully and the child was a 12-month-old girl. The reports state it is also understood that the attack occurred at the child’s home and that the victim underwent surgery in the wake of the incident. It is also said that the girl is now recovering.
The Ban
This incident comes following several major dog attacks in recent months in Ireland. In June of this year, 23-year-old woman Nicole Morey died after an XL bully attack in Limerick. A month later, Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys announced a ban on XL bully dogs.
From October 1 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL bullies. Then from February 1 2025, it will be illegal to own the type of dog without a “certificate of exemption”. “Certificates of Exemption will be issued subject to strict criteria, including a requirement for licensing, microchipping and neutering,” a Government statement read.
The statement also said that Minister Humphreys was announcing the ban “in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks by XL bullies, which included the death of a young woman, Nicole Morey, in Limerick”. For more on the ban, visit the Government’s website right here.
The Future of XL Bully Ownership
The recent attack in Kerry highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding XL Bully dogs and the need for stricter regulations. The ban, which will come into effect in two phases, is a significant step towards ensuring public safety. However, it remains to be seen how effectively it will be enforced and whether it will be enough to prevent future incidents.
The ban on XL Bully dogs will have a significant impact on owners, breeders, and the dog community. It will be interesting to observe how the ban is implemented and what its long-term effects will be on the breed’s popularity and availability in Ireland. The debate surrounding XL Bully dogs is likely to continue, as the public grapples with the potential dangers of the breed and the need for appropriate regulation. The ban is a controversial step, but one that is intended to address the growing problem of dog attacks and protect the public from harm.
