Ireland

Jogger hospitalised after attack by dog on restricted breed list

Rottweiler was being walked on a lead but was not muzzled at time of attack

14/09/2013 - FEATURES MAGAZINE - 01.46am An Ambulance arrives bringing a patient to Medical staff working in the A&E Accident and Emergency Department of St. James's Hospital Photograph: Alan Betson / THE IRISH TIMES AMBULANCE ... STOCK..... FILE...

The victim, who is in his 20s, was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, where he underwent emergency treatment. Photograph: Alan Betson

Stephen Maguire
Mon Jun 17 2024 - 16:38

A man was brought to hospital with serious injuries after being attacked by a dog on the restricted breed list in Co Donegal on Sunday.

The man was jogging on the greenway between the villages of Muff and Quigley’s Point on the Inishowen Peninsula when he was attacked by the dog after midday.

The dog, understood to be a Rottweiler, was being walked on a lead by its female owner at the time.

The animal was not muzzled at the time of the attack.

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It managed to break free from its owner and chased the man before biting him a number of times on the leg.

The victim, who is in his 20s, was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, where he underwent emergency treatment. Gardaí later said his injuries are not life threatening.

It is understand that gardaí have this morning identified the dog at the centre of the incident.

Local county councillor Terry Crossan said he was horrified by the attack.

“I want to pay particular praise to the gardaí in dealing with this situation and taking control of it once they realised the seriousness of this incident,” he said.

“This man was lucky to escape even though his injuries are very serious.

“If this was a child the consequences could have been much worse.”

Mr Crossan said he plans to bring forward a motion to Donegal County Council surrounding dog control and dog warden services in the county.

The attack comes less than two weeks after a 23-year-old woman died in a dog attack in Co Limerick.

Nicole Morley died after being mauled to death by her own XL Bully dog when she entered her home after being out celebrating her birthday.

The tragedy increased debate on dangerous dog breeds and the possibility of certain breeds being banned in Ireland. At present, dogs on the restricted list are subject to more stringent rules, such as being muzzled.

[ Should XL bullies and other dangerous dogs be banned? ]

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