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Dog control law repugnant to Constitution, parents of attacked boy claim

Summary

The parents of a boy who was allegedly attacked by a Pit Bull while visiting a private residence claim that the 1986 Control of Dogs Act is unconstitutional because it does not provide the same protection for victims on private property as it does for those in public places. They have filed a High Court judicial review after local Gardaí and the council's dog warden refused to investigate the incident, stating it could not be investigated because it occurred on private property. The parents argue that the Act allows fines, penalties and destruction orders for dogs not kept under control in public places, but offers no such protection for a lawful visitor in a dwelling who is attacked by a dangerous dog owned by the property's owner.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dog control law repugnant to Constitution, parents of attacked boy claim. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2022-06-20 Publication

Why: However, they were informed by those parties that the incident could not be investigated and that they would have no further involvement in the matter because the incident occurred on private property. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report