ISPCA welcomes awareness campaign to curb dog attacks and improve animal welfare
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Improved dog welfare and more responsible ownership are two major elements of a new national awareness campaign.
The "It’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours" campaign is reminding dog owners to act responsibly in the wake of an increase in the number of dog attacks over recent years. A number of those attacks have resulted in life-changing injuries for victims.
The campaign has been announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and has been welcomed by animal welfare charities including the ISPCA, which is calling for dog owners to be held accountable for their animal's behaviour.
One of the more recent cases involved 11-year-old Alejandro Miszan, who was attacked by an XL Bully dog as he played with friends on a green area on the Old Forge Road estate in Enniscorthy.
The unmuzzled dog attack was stopped when neighbours who happened to be passing by intervened. The attack, which left the child with life-altering injuries, could have been prevented if the animal was muzzled and kept on a “short and controlled lead”, the ISPCA said.
The animal welfare charity has asked dog owners to keep their animals on a lead when in public places and to respect local bylaws and restrictions that apply in public places such as parks, beaches or farmlands.
CEO of the ISPCA, Dr Cyril Sullivan, admitted that although the vast majority of pet owners are responsible, “many animal welfare cases have been due to a lack of understanding of basic animal welfare needs and pet owners’ legal responsibilities”.
Dr Sullivan said he “looks forward” to a review of the existing policy on Dog Control and Dog Breeding Establishments in Ireland, which was established by Ms Humphreys, and independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey.
He said it is imperative dog owners are aware of their “moral and legal responsibilities” under the Control of Dogs Regulations.
“We have seen too many devastating situations of animal neglect, and we should always do the right thing for our pets, ensuring that they are always cared for, under effective control, preventing your dog(s) from negatively impacting other people and the environment,” he said.
The issue of aggressive dog behaviour is prevalent right across the country. According to the Local Authority Control of Dogs Statistics Report in 2022, 791 incidences of aggressive dog behaviour were reported to councils in a space of a year.
Of these, 308 people were physically injured in the attack. This was the first time that statistics on aggressive behaviour and dog attacks on people which were reported to local authorities have been compiled.
The animal charity has advised anyone who owns a dog to ensure they are kept in a secure shelter so it cannot stray. This rules out the risk of it posing a danger to the public and other animals such as farm animals.
Dog owners are also expected to ensure their dog is under their full control and on a lead when in public. They are also expected to refrain from approaching other members of the public or animals.