Ballyneety: Woman, 23, dies in dog attack in County Limerick as investigation into death underway

A 23-year-old woman has tragically died following a dog attack at a property in southwest Ireland. Emergency services responded to the incident in Ballyneety, County Limerick, around 11.40pm on Tuesday (June 4).

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and her body has been transported to University Hospital Limerick for a post-mortem examination. The dog involved in the attack was put down and several other dogs were seized.

A minister who recently established a group to review dog control laws expressed her horror at the news and reaffirmed her dedication to strengthening regulations. Rural minister Heather Humphreys said: "I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to her family in what is a deeply shocking incident.

“A Garda investigation is under way 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."

Ireland has restrictions on several dog breeds, including German shepherds, rottweilers, and various bull terriers, as well as some crossbreeds. These restricted dogs must wear collars with the owner's information, be muzzled in public, and be kept on a short, strong lead handled by someone over 16 who can control them.