The sister of a woman who was killed by her own dogs, including an XL bully, has spoken out about the attack for the first time.
Nicole Morey was returning home from her birthday celebrations on 4 June when she was attacked and killed by her pets at home in Fedamore, Co Limerick.
Four months after her shocking death, Nicole’s sister Jolene Morey welcomed the government’s planned ban on the breed that’s due to kick in tomorrow – but warned it would not be enough to prevent this kind of tragedy in the future.
She told Katie Hannon on RTE’s Upfront programme: “The law they’re bringing out, you have to have a licence, you have to have papers… But my sister had all them.
“Nicole loved them dogs. And the dogs loved Nicole, but they just turned on her.”
The 23-year-old’s death is believed to have prompted Minister Heather Humphreys’ decision to introduce the new two-phase legislation that will make it illegal to import, breed or sell an XL bully dog.
From tomorrow, owners will have to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep their dog until the end of its natural life – once they have been microchipped, neutered and licenced.
Despite the introduction of the regulations, Jolene fears more people will suffer through the pain her family experienced.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a big enough change in it,” she told RTÉ in an interview set to be aired this evening.
“I think people are going to keep the dogs, and then there’s going to be more accidents and more attacks. But people won’t feel the pain until it hits their front doorstep.
“I think there should be a stricter law brought in. They’re dangerous dogs. They’re not small little puppies. They’re not dogs that you could just mess around with. They can just switch in two seconds.”
Nicole owned four dogs that she shared with her ex-partner before her death: Cali and Rico, both pitbulls; Coco, a different breed; and Zeus, an XL bully.
Her sister’s death horrified the county after videos of the attack were shared widely online. The same videos were sent to Jolene with messages asking whether it was her sibling who was being attacked.
She remembers sitting in her room in darkness, ringing Nicole because she didn’t believe it was real.
“Then I texted her, I said, ‘Are you okay?’ And got no message back. And then a video got sent to me. And they asked me if it was with my sister. And I just remember clicking into a video and seeing her on the floor.
“I was just waiting for the phone call to say she’s gone because I had a feeling in my stomach that she didn’t survive it. But my mom was like, ‘No, it’s only bites and stuff.’ Then my uncle rang, and I just knew from his voice that she was gone.”
The footage was recorded by a CCTV camera at the house where the dogs were being kept.
Following the dog attack, Nicole was rushed to University Hospital Limerick where she was pronounced dead. An inquest into her death has been planned.
Garda Regional Armed Support Unit shot the XL bully dead at the scene, after responding to an emergency call out, and the three other dogs were eventually destroyed by the authorities.
The Ban and Its Impact
The legislation is being met with mixed reactions. Some animal rights groups have raised concerns that the ban could unfairly target responsible dog owners. The ISPCA, for example, has expressed worries that the legislation could make it illegal for animal charities like them to rehome any banned dog breeds. They maintain that a dog's behaviour is more dependent on training and environment rather than its breed.
However, supporters of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect public safety. They point to the tragic case of Nicole Morey as an example of the potential danger posed by XL bullies.
The Future of XL Bullies in Ireland
The new legislation will significantly impact the ownership of XL bully dogs in Ireland. It remains to be seen how effectively the ban will be enforced and whether it will ultimately prevent future tragedies.
The debate surrounding the XL bully ban will likely continue for some time. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when discussing this complex topic.
The Legacy of a Tragedy
Nicole Morey’s tragic death has left a lasting impact on her family and community. Her sister Jolene’s powerful words serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of certain dog breeds and the importance of responsible pet ownership. It is a reminder that while laws can help to prevent tragedies, ultimately, it is up to individuals to ensure the safety of their communities.
Jolene’s heartbreaking story highlights the need for a nuanced approach to animal welfare. While the new legislation may be a step in the right direction, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the issue of dangerous dog breeds. We need to find a balance between protecting public safety and ensuring the well-being of all animals, especially those in our care.
