17 September 1998 Edition
Ban dogs from flats, says Burke
Following the savage mauling of a six year old boy in Hardwicke Street, Dublin, on Monday night, North Central Sinn Féin Councillor Christy Burke has called for the banning of all domestic dogs from flat complexes.
Stephen Power received 160 stitches in his face and further treatment to his badly injured right leg at Temple Street Children's Hospital on Monday night. He had been attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier and a bull mastiff outside his flat complex, along with his brother Derek and their friend Derek Flood as they were going to a local shop. Stephen fortunately escaped death when his father Derek and uncle Eddie heard their screams and intervened. Gardaí have arrested the owner of the dogs as both were impounded and put down on Tuesday.
Burke, who visited Stephen and his family on Tuesday, said he had been ``shocked and horrified at the damage caused by the attack and am deeply worried at the possibility, or indeed likelihood, of this happening again. The City Manager must ensure that all dogs are banned from flat complexes. It is both dangerous and cruel to keep animals in places which were not designed for pets''.
Stephen Power received 160 stitches in his face and further treatment to his badly injured right leg at Temple Street Children's Hospital on Monday night. He had been attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier and a bull mastiff outside his flat complex, along with his brother Derek and their friend Derek Flood as they were going to a local shop. Stephen fortunately escaped death when his father Derek and uncle Eddie heard their screams and intervened. Gardaí have arrested the owner of the dogs as both were impounded and put down on Tuesday.
Burke, who visited Stephen and his family on Tuesday, said he had been ``shocked and horrified at the damage caused by the attack and am deeply worried at the possibility, or indeed likelihood, of this happening again. The City Manager must ensure that all dogs are banned from flat complexes. It is both dangerous and cruel to keep animals in places which were not designed for pets''.