The family of brave pitbull attack victim Alejandro Mizsan have hailed new laws cracking down on dangerous dogs, saying it should help ensure no one else will suffer like he did.
The devastating injuries suffered by the 10-year-old last year sparked a fresh review of rules in place surrounding dogs. Yesterday, the Government approved new proposals to double fines under the Control of Dogs Act from €2,500 to €5,000.
At least 40 new dog wardens will also be hired along with other measures being put in place. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue also sought backing from colleagues for recommendations from a working group examining dangerous dogs to increase fines.
Read more: Young boy who suffered horror pitbull attack has 007 'best day ever'
Alejandro spent seven weeks in Crumlin Children’s Hospital undergoing treatment after being mauled in his housing estate in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford on November 27. He suffered life-changing injuries, with the animal – which was later put down – tearing off his bottom lip and mauling each of his cheeks as well as injuring his body and legs.
Alejandro’s older brother Raul yesterday told how the boy is “doing well” in the circumstances. And while the pain of what happened his sibling will never leave him or his family, he praised new laws coming into place. He told Dublin Live: “It is welcome that this is happening.
“The reality is that Alejandro will always be left with scars and has to go through treatment for many years to come. And we have suffered a lot as a family, it has been very hard.
“Unfortunately this happened to Alejandro but we do not want anybody else to suffer the horrors like we have. And at least the attack on Alejandro did not go unnoticed, change is coming and everything needs to be done to prevent these attacks in the future.”
Raul also wants to make clear that he and his family love animals. He added: “We all have a love for dogs and we’ve no problem with them at all.”
Alejandro will have to get more treatment abroad including a lip implant in the coming months. His family have been overwhelmed by public support, which saw €193,000 raised for treatment.
Read more: Brave dog attack victim returns home from Dublin hospital as family says 'the nightmare is over'
He said: “The support we have got from everybody has been amazing. We thank everyone so much for their donations and kindness.”
Mr McConalogue was tasked by Tanaiste Micheal Martin with carrying out a review of legislation across Government after a young boy was violently assaulted by a pitbull terrier in Wexford late last year. There have also been several other dog attacks on sheep in recent weeks.
Mr McConalogue, along with Heather Humphreys, established an interdepartmental working group which is examining issues such as fines for dog owners found in breach of the Control of Dogs Act. Also looked at was enforcement at a local level, microchipping, licences, breeding establishments and the sale of dogs.
The group’s interim report has 15 recommendations, which were discussed at Cabinet. These include the recruitment of 40 additional dog wardens nationwide, increasing the fine under the Control of Dogs Act to €5,000 from €2,500.
Another measure includes improving canine traceability and welfare through the creation of a single centralised database for dog microchips. The regulation around breeding, sale and supply of dogs will also be strengthened by creating a centralised national database for dog breeding establishments. The group’s final report is expected to be ready by the summer, sources told Dublin Live.
READ NEXT:
- All the Dublin pubs and restaurants that have closed in recent weeks
- Dublin's only alcohol-free bar shuts down amid rising costs
- Dublin pub hits back at 'Guinness influencer' after spate of negative reviews
- Dublin pub hosting quiz all about popular TV show Succession
- How well do you know your Dublin pubs? Take our ultimate boozer quiz
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
