Woman attacked by dogs in Dún Laoghaire left with ‘serious’ injuries

Gardaí alerted by emergency services to incident at residence in south Co Dublin

A woman who was attacked by two dogs has been taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, for treatment of her injuries. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

A woman was hospitalised with serious injuries after being attacked by two dogs in south Co Dublin.

Gardaí were alerted by emergency services to the incident at a residence in Dún Laoghaire on Thursday afternoon.

The woman was attacked by two dogs which were later taken into the custody of the dog warden, gardaí said.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital to receive treatment for her injuries, which are understood to be serious.

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A Garda spokeswoman could not yet confirm the breed of the dogs. However, it is believed at least one of them was a bully breed.

It is understood the attack happened at a property near Upper Glenageary Road.

According to one local, a neighbour heard screaming coming from inside the property before rushing to help the woman.

“It is dreadful to hear about a dog attack in our local community in Dún Laoghaire. We wish the victim a full and speedy recovery,” said local Fine Gael councillor Lorraine Hall.

Gardaí said on Thursday evening the injured woman was in a stable condition.

A Garda spokeswoman added investigations are ongoing.

Although the dog breeds involved are not currently known, this is the latest in a string of dog attacks, often involving restricted breeds.

In August, a 12-month-old girl needed hospital treatment after being attacked by an XL Bully dog in the north Kerry village of Lixnaw.

In June, Limerick woman Nicole Lisa Marie Morey was killed by her dogs, one of which was an XL Bully. The 23-year-old was returning to her home in Fedamore following a night out when she was attacked.

Alejandro Mizsan, a then 10-year-old boy from Co Wexford, was left with serious facial injuries in 2022 after being attacked by an XL Bully.

Plans announced in July by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys will see the breeding, rehoming, reselling and importation of XL bully dogs prohibited from next month. From next February, only those with a certificate of exemption – issued upon proof of licensing, microchipping and neutering – will be permitted to own one.

Jack White

Jack White

Jack White is a reporter for The Irish Times