WE FACE EPIDEMIC OF FATAL ATTACKS
TV expert warns deadly dog maulings will rise if government doesn’t act
A CELEBRITY dog expert said yesterday she fears an epidemic of attacks if the government does not take action.
TV presenter Nanci Creedon, 37, told Leinster House yesterday Ireland is heading for more deadly maulings.
She was Ireland’s first certified dog behaviourist and will now host a free lecture to help owners recognise when their family pet is about to turn bad.
Nanci, who often appears on RTE’S Today Show and has a new programme on the UK’S Channel 4 next month, told the Irish Mirror: “I fear more attacks. It is happening far too frequently. Dog behaviour is something that I am extremely passionate about.
“In England this week, a four-year-old girl passed away [after a dog attack].
“She was the same age as my own daughter.
“It has reached a stage with me that if the Government is not going to do something, then I am going to do it myself.
“Dog behaviour experts feel so powerless against the drastic increase in fatal, and near fatal, dog attacks.
“But I have the knowledge and skills to help educate people to help them see the early warning signs that a bite may be imminent.
“I’m going to put on a free webinar for dog owners and anyone who is interested to look at common triggers for dog bites and dog attacks.”
She hopes this information can help to prevent attacks like that on young Wexford schoolboy Alejandro Mizsan, nine, who was left with life-changing injuries last November in a vicious mauling as he played near his home.
Nanci, from Cork, was in Leinster House yesterday on the invitation of Sinn Fein senator Lynn Boylan.
The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine heard her advice on the Dog Breeding Act 2010 and Control of Dogs Act 1986 as she recounted dog attack deaths. Teresa Mcdonagh, 64, was attacked by a bullmastiff in Galway in 2017; Glen Murphy, eight, by two Rottweilers in Dublin in 2020; and fourmonth-old baby Mia O’connell by a Dachshund in Waterford in 2021.
Nanci said: “I strongly believe that legislation needs to change.
“When a serious dog attack occurs, the dog wardens seize the dog, the victims receive medical treatment, the dog is euthanised, and everything is swept under the rug.”
Senator Boylan previously told the Irish Mirror Ireland’s 60 wardens for 192,348 licenced dogs were not enough to prevent another horrific attack.
She added: “The government must step up resourcing for dog wardens.”
We feel so powerless ..but I have the skills to help owners NANCI CREEDON
ABOVE, YESTERDAY