Dangerous Dogs Owners

I think that argument can be applied to any law though. Enforcement is an issue generally in this country.

However, I think law does act as a deterrent. If something is made illegal, whether enforced or not, less people will do it. Very few people picked up dog poo before it became illegal not to do so. Now most do, in spite of little enforcement. A minority will always ignore the law and do what suits them.

The burden of proof is entirely on you to show that it was an extreme circumstance and you were unable to contact gardai.

How many unanswered calls constitutes 'unable to contact the Gardaí?' Two, three, fifteen? Rang two local stations several times each to report joyriders in the local area only last month - no answer on the phones.

This is correct, I've had to shoot numerous dogs over the years for worrying sheep, on my own and on neighbours land and it's never been an issue with the Gardai

Another small child seriously injured by the family pet, this time in Kerry.

What are people thinking? Why put your need to have a dangerous dog at home over the life of your newly born child?

Another family now having to live with the aftermath of a dog attack, where no doubt they often told visitors and friends how gentle their dog was and how it wouldn't harm a fly.

Regardless of what you state Boetstark the reality is dogs are shot in fields for worrying livestock all the time. I've done it myself. I then told the owner and the gardaí. The owner realised he fucked up and was apologetic and the Five-0 had no issue.

Another family now having to live with the aftermath of a dog attack

Well, if it was their dog in their home, I hope they are criminally charged in the same way they would if the dog had attacked a stranger.

It's the 12-month old who really has to live with the aftermath.

A big rotwieler i think it was ran up to my niece when we were in the park and scared the living daylights out of us all. It didnt bite but jumped on her. The owner comes over all friendly and say "he wont touch you he is just being friendly", as if that made it ok that a 5 year old is now terrified of any dog.

Keep your dogs on a leash and far away from other people. If your dog (be it a poodle or a bully) runs up to people in their personal space, whether its attacking them or not, you dont have control of it. You dont deserve to own a dog.

These dogs are all fine and friendly … until they arent.

Talk about slippery slope fallacy. We most certainly can ban animals that are dangerous from being around humans.

Big exotic cats are banned. I'm not aware of a general problem arising from that so I'd say it works.

you would like to think they would be having 2nd thoughts.

I would bet you that every single one of them is thinking "well I'm glad that my dog would never attack my child, sure he's part of the family"

Every. Single. One.