Dog attacks in Mayo are among the highest in country
A total of 405 people reported being physically injured as a result of being attacked by dogs in 2024. Picture: iStock
The number of dog attacks in Mayo is among the highest in Ireland.
Restricted breeds were responsible for almost half of all reported incidents of aggressive dog behaviour last year, in cases where the breed was identified. A total of 405 people reported being physically injured as a result of being attacked by dogs in 2024, according to official figures collated by the country’s 31 local authorities.
A report published by the Department of Agriculture, however, shows there was a decline in both physical attacks by dogs on humans as well as reports of aggressive behaviour last year.
However, there was a 4% increase in the number of incidents of attacks by dogs on farm animals, predominantly sheep.
There were 31 incidents in Mayo where people were physically injured as a result of a dog attack. The most incidents occurred in Cork County (45) followed by Fingal (44), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (35), and Cork City (33). No canine attacks on humans were reported in Sligo or Roscommon.
A total of 1,194 incidences of aggressive dog behaviour were also reported to local authorities last year. Mayo again recorded one of the highest figures at 77. Cork County recorded the most number of incidents with 118 followed by Limerick (112), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (85), and Fingal (80).
Attacks on sheep accounted for over two-thirds of all cases and just under 1,600 animals. The highest number were reported in Cork County (30) followed by Roscommon (26), Mayo (23) and Cavan and Galway County (both 21).
The recently reported on a harrowing court case where a Mayo woman walking with her young son was viciously mauled by a restricted dog breed.
The attack by the Bullmastiff Pitbull saw the woman sustain several puncture wounds, intense bruising and severe lacerations. She required emergency surgery and doctors told her she was fortunate not to lose her left arm.
The dog was going for the woman’s throat before a brave passerby intervened and potentially saved her life.
