Ireland has just 60 wardens for 200,000 dogs and that is not enough to prevent another horrific attack like Wexford boy Alejandro Mizsan's, it is claimed.
Young schoolboy Alejandro was left with life-changing injuries recently after a vicious pitbull’s mauling as he played on a green space near his home in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
The pitbull was not muzzled and was not on a leash and nine-year-old Alejandro will not be home from hospital for Christmas.
Sinn Fein senator Lynn Boylan has claimed that there are not enough dog wardens for the country’s 192,348 licenced dogs.
She warned that Ireland’s dog warden numbers are “completely inadequate to enforce laws”.
Senator Boylan also queried if “the enforcement of the Control of Dogs Act, including compliance with the dangerous breeds regulations, is properly resourced”.
She said: “Dog wardens employed by local authorities are responsible for ensuring that laws are enforced, including muzzle wearing by dogs on the dangerous breeds list.
“From figures released by the Minister of Rural and Community Development, it is clear the number of dog wardens is completely inadequate.
“For 192,348 licenced dogs there are around 60 full time equivalent dog wardens.
“That’s a ratio of 3,205 dogs for every warden and does not include the unlicensed dogs.
“Collectively, they brought 97 prosecutions resulting in 32 convictions according to the latest figures for 2021.
“We have seen a spate of attacks by dangerous breeds.
“Those dogs are supposed to be muzzled by their owners but without enforcement there are no repercussions for breaking the law.”
She added: “The Department of Rural and Community Development is the Department with responsibility for the legislation.
“The Government must step up resourcing for dog wardens.
“We are lucky to have decent animal welfare legislation but where we fall down is implementation.”
Senator Boylan has urged the Minister of Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys to oversee “proper enforcement of existing legislation”.
She added: “We need the full implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on issues affecting dog welfare.
"This includes bringing canine welfare under the remit of a single Department and highlights the importance of proper socialisation of puppies.”
Primary school pupil Alejandro was left with extensive facial injuries when he was attacked on Sunday, November 27.
He underwent two facial reconstruction surgeries at Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin and is expected to remain there for his recovery until the new year.
The dog that attacked Alejandro was put down.
Alejandro’s brother Raul, 21, told the Irish Mirror: “It will be very hard not to have him home this Christmas.
“We're terrified. We don't know what the future holds."
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