Frightening Mayo dog attack figures revealed
The number of dog attacks in Mayo is among the highest in the country.
Mayo has some of the highest dog attack figures in the country.
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 individuals also 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.
The most incidents occurred in Cork County (45) followed by Fingal (44), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (35), Cork City (33) and Mayo (31).
No canine attacks on humans were reported in six local authority areas – Carlow, Kilkenny, Limerick, Roscommon, Sligo and Wicklow.
A total of 1,194 incidences of aggressive dog behaviour were also reported to local authorities last year – a decrease of 14 per cent.
Cork County recorded the most number of incidents with 118 followed by Limerick (112), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (85), Fingal (80), Mayo (77) and Kerry (72).
More detailed information recorded about the nature of such incidents for the first time revealed that 48 per cent of dogs in cases where the breed was known, was a restricted breed.
Such breeds are required by law to be securely muzzled and restrained by a strong chain or leash not exceeding two metres and by a person over 16 who is capable of controlling the animal.
Data recorded on 769 dogs involved in aggressive behaviour last year show the dominant breed were German Shepherds who accounted for 16 per cent of all incidents.
The restricted breed, also known as Alsatians, were involved in more than double the number of incidents of the next most common breed – Staffordshire Bull Terriers – another restricted breed which were involved in six per cent of cases.
Other common breeds recorded in incidents of aggressive dog behaviour in 2024 were Jack Russell Terriers (5%); Rottweilers (4%); Border Collies/Sheepdogs (four per cent); Labradors (three per cent) and Lurchers (three per cent).
Attacks on sheep accounted for over two-thirds of all cases and just under 1,600 animals.
The highest number of incidents were reported in Cork County (30) followed by Roscommon (26), Mayo (23) and Cavan and Galway County (both 21).
