HORROR LOSS
‘My sister didn’t deserve it’ – Tearful tribute to woman, 23, mauled by XL bully as it emerges ‘aggressive’ dog shot
The family have organised a special tribute for tragic Nicole
ARMED gardai shot an XL bully dog dead after it was involved in the horrific attack which claimed a young woman's life on her birthday.
Nicole Morey died at the scene in Ballyneety, Co Limerick, just outside Fedamore village after 11.40pm last night.
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The heartbroken family of Ms Morey - who had turned 23 on the same day of her passing - have invited friends to gather for a balloon release in her memory tomorrow.
Ms Morey, originally from Limerick city, had been attacked by two of four dogs, all of which were restricted breeds.
Gardai rushed to the scene after they received a report and upon arrival the four canines were acting aggressively.
The Regional Armed Support Unit shot an XL Bully dog dead as it continued to pose a threat.
Ms Morey was treated by paramedics at the scene but was tragically pronounced dead. No one else was at the property at the time of the attack.
Her remains were taken to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, in Limerick, where a postmortem examination is set to take place.
The three other dogs at the scene were seized by the dog warden.
The scene remains sealed off today as a technical examination continues while the probe is being led by cops from Roxboro Road Garda Station.
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Gardai are also aware of footage of the incident in circulation and out of respect for the victim and her family, they have asked the public not to share these videos.
Ms Morey's devastated family is being comforted by loved ones today ahead of a balloon release in her memory tomorrow.
Nicole's sister Jolene revealed her pain at the heartbreaking loss.
She said: "My heart is shattered once again. On your birthday.
"I only hung up on you two seconds before I really tried my best to help. I’m so sorry Nicole I love you so much. It feels like a bit bad dream."
She added: "We're Leaving Off Balloon Tomorrow Night At 6.30 Outside My Mother. If People Could Get Purple And Yellow Balloon If Ye Can't Any Balloons will Do. My Poor Sister Didn't Deserve It I Will Love And Miss Nicole."
The local community has been left reeling by the horrific news, with tributes pouring in for beloved Nicole from devastated family and friends.
'TAKEN AWAY TOO EARLY'
Cousin Dennis Brophy admitted that he is "still in shock" over what happened.
He added: "You don’t deserve what them dogs did. Hope u with nana now Nicole rest easy cuz."
Another cousin, De De Hannon, hailed Nicole as "the kindest woman in this world".
She said: "You got taken away too early from everyone soundest cousin I ever had R.I.P."
Another pal added: "So so sad Rest In Peace Nicole Morey. Thinking of all the family at this hard time. The most harmless girl."
One mourner remembered Nicole as "the most lovely girl to talk to" whilst another added: "Oh I’m so shocked thinking of all Nicole’s family a heart of gold she had god bless."
ARE ANY DOG BREEDS BANNED IN IRELAND?
No breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland. But with certain breeds of dog, additional rules must be followed.
This applies to the following types of dog, as well as strains or cross-breeds of these breeds:
- American pit bull terrier
- English bull terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- Bull mastiff
- Dobermann pinscher
- German shepherd (Alsatian)
- Rhodesian ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Japanese akita
- Japanese tosa
- Bandog
In Ireland, restricted dogs or strains and crosses of them must be:
- Kept on a short strong lead of under two metres
- With someone over the age of 16, who is able to control them
- Muzzled when in a public place
- Wearing a collar with the name and address of their owner, at all times
But Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed more severe rules could be on the cards, saying: "I have asked the Group to examine the restricted breeds list, in line with actions being taken in the UK and Northern Ireland.
"I am committed to working with colleagues across Government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws."
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD said she is "absolutely appalled by the news".
Humphreys, who is in charge of dog regulations, said: "I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to her family in what is a deeply shocking incident.
"A Garda investigation is underway and it’s important we establish the facts on what happened.
"I have consistently said that more action is required in relation to dog control.
"That’s why I have set up a cross Governmental stakeholder group, chaired by the retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, to examine this whole area. That Group’s work is underway.
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"I have asked the Group to examine the restricted breeds list, in line with actions being taken in the UK and Northern Ireland."
She added: "I am committed to working with colleagues across Government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws.”
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