Alejandro Miszan, the young boy who suffered a horrific dog attack in November, has said that he is happy to be back home with his family.
The nine-year-old from Enniscorthy, Wexford, spent Christmas in Crumlin Children’s Hospital after he was attacked by a pitbull in his housing estate.
His bottom lip was torn off and his cheeks were mauled, as well as a number of injuries to his body and leg.
Read more: Fine Gael TD Damien English resigns as minister over failure to declare ownership of a property
Following a number of surgeries and weeks in the hospital, Alejandro was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, January 10.
He received a warm welcome home from friends and neighbours in Wexford after an emotional goodbye from Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
His brother Raul, 21, told RTE News : “All the doctors and nurses came out and hugged him and said goodbye to him. When we came home all the neighbours were here and all my family were here to welcome him home in the best way."
Alejandro told RTE: "I am happy that I am home from the hospital."
His family were relieved to have him home, too. Raul told the Irish Mirror : “We're just very happy to have him home here. He's just a very brave boy. He's delighted to be home too.
"It's very emotional. I never felt like how I felt today just to have my brother back home. The nightmare is over. Today is a dream for us."
Alejandro said that the stretch in the hospital was very long but said the staff there were "all very nice."
The young boy was hugged and kissed by his mum Otilia as he arrived home with his dad Ion Florin while Raul and younger sister Estera were also there for the homecoming.
As a result of the attack, then-Taoiseach Micheal Martin asked Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to lead a review on dog control.
A working group is being established to examine dog laws and enforcement. It will look at fines under the Control of Dogs Act, enforcement of local authority level, dog wardens, microchipping, promoting responsible ownership and dog licences.
Speaking about the group, Minister McConalogue said: “Our dogs are more than pets, they are our companions and loyal friends. However, the harrowing scenes we have witnessed recently show the threat dogs can pose if they are not properly controlled by their owners.”
Minister Humphreys said: “While the issue of dog control crosses a number of different Government Departments, as well as our local authorities, it is vital that we get to grips with this issue.
“That’s why, as a first step, Minister McConalogue and I have decided to set up a working group, which will consider all relevant legislative and enforcement issues in relation to dogs.
“This review will bring all the key players together to consider what action can be taken to keep both people and animals safe.”
The IFA National Sheep Chairman has also called on the Government to look at alleviating issues involving sheep being attacked by dogs on farms.
READ NEXT :
Amy Fitzpatrick 'dead and buried' tip-off as letter claims to reveal grave site
Fine Gael TD Damien English resigns over failure to declare property ownership
Man, 23, dies after he is struck by an SUV in Tallaght as Gardai appeal for witnesses
Man missing from Dublin found dead on beach in Wales had been assaulted
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
