Young girl seriously injured in suspected XL bully attack in Kerry
Wake Has In Local Picture: Dog The Niall Veterinary Been File By Carson/pa The Destroyed Of The Services Attack
A young girl has been seriously injured after being attacked by a restricted breed dog, believed to be an XL bully, in Co Kerry.
The attack happened in Lixnaw on Saturday evening.
Gardaí confirmed that the child is currently undergoing treatment at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
The dog was destroyed by local veterinary services in the wake of the attack. A garda spokesperson told the that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Last month, the Government confirmed it was to ban XL bully dogs starting this October.
The two-phase ban will begin on October 1 when breeding, rehoming, reselling and importing XL bullys will be outlawed.
A full ban on owning one of the dogs, without a certificate of exemption, will come into effect on February 1.
Owners of XL bullys will be able to seek a certificate of exemption if they can prove that their dog has a license, is microchipped and is neutered.
The ban will bring Ireland into line with Britain and in the North.
It is being brought in following a spate of dog attacks in recent months, including one which led to the death of Nicole Morey in Limerick.
Ms Morey, from Bawnmore View, Limerick City, was killed by her dogs at her home in Fedamore in the county in early June.
A young boy, Alejandro Mizsan, was left with serious injuries following an attack by an XL bully in November 2022.
Currently, Ireland does not ban any other breed of dog, but there are 11 restricted breeds.
Those animals on the list are required to be kept on a short lead and wear a muzzle while in public places.