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Woman ‘bitten severely times' & pet killed during horror pit bull dog attack in Meath as victim ‘deeply shocked'

Woman ‘bitten severely times' & pet killed during horror pit bull dog attack in Meath as victim ‘deeply shocked'

The Irish Suna day ago

A WOMAN was injured and her small pet dog killed after they were attacked by a devil dog.
The incident happened at approximately noon on June 5 while she was out for a walk in Navan, Co
2
Gardai are currently investigating the alleged incident
Credit: Alamy
The woman's dog was attacked by a vicious pit bull which also latched onto her leg several times.
The terrified woman was taken to the
It is understood that her
A full investigation has been launched by the
READ MORE ON XL BULLY DOG
They have appealed to anyone who witnessed the attack or was driving in the area at the time to contact them.
It is unknown if the pit bull has been identified and put down, but the owner will also face
The Government brought in a
Anyone who owns one had to apply for a Certificate of Exemption, which is issued by the local authority.
Most read in Irish News
It is also illegal to let a pit bull out in public without being under the control of the owner via a lead.
A Garda source said: "This poor woman was out walking her dog around midday when they were attacked by the pit bull.
"She is deeply shocked and upset by what happened.
Sister of dog attack victim Nicole Morey calls for stricter XL Bully laws
"Her small dog was killed and she was bitten several times.
"This is a very serious incident and dog attacks like this should not be happening."
A spokesperson for Gardai confirmed that they are "aware" of the alleged incident that occurred in Navan.
They said: "I can confirm Gardaí are aware of an alleged incident that took place in Navan, Co Meath at approximately 12pm on the 5 of June 2025.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
What is the new XL Bully ban?
HERE is everything you need to know about the new XL Bully ban in Ireland.
The XL Bully ban comes into force in two stages beginning on the October 1, 2024, with a full ownership ban from February 1 2025.
The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.
There will be no fee for the certificate of exemption.
Owners will be able to apply for a certificate of exemption from their local authority from 1st October subject to the dog being:
Licensed
Microchipped
Neutered
Certificates of Exemption
The Certificate of Exemption will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner.
It will specify the dog's licence details, microchip details, neutering details, age and description. It will also specify the dog owner's name, address, date of birth and contact number.
A Certificate of Exemption is issued by the Local Authority and authorises the owner of an XL Bully type dog to keep that dog at a particular premises until the natural end of the dog's life.
After February 1, 2025, all XL Bully type dog owners should either be in possession of a Certificate of Exemption or have proof that they applied for a Certificate of Exemption.
Owners must apply to their local authority after October 1, 2024.
No fee will be charged for a Certificate of Exemption.
Penalties for breaching the regulations
Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
The dog may be seized and euthanized in a humane manner and the owner will be subject to the penalties outlined in that Act:
A fine of up to €2,500, or imprisonment of a term of up to 3 months, or both.
2
It is unknown if the pit bull has been identified
Credit: Alamy

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According to charity Shelter, the North East had the largest annual increase in homelessness in the country in 2024. The number rocketed from 1,500 to 2,300 in the space of just one year. Within the region, the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne contains the highest number of homeless people - an estimated 335 - followed by Sunderland (309) and Durham (306). Advertisement Drug poisoning 15 Homelessness and anti-social behaviour are on the rise in Newcastle Credit: NNP 15 Locals say Newcastle city centre no longer feels safe Credit: NNP The North East has also experienced its largest number of drug-poisoning deaths for 11 years. In 2024, 174 died per million, compared to an average of 91 in England. Advertisement Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families, a food bank in the region, says a "perfect storm" of conditions have led to the sharp rise in homelessness. She tells us: "We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase. We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families "We started getting other charities contacting us because the normal food boxes we provide were no good to people who haven't got a home. "People were taking the boxes and throwing away the pasta and sauce because it was no use to them. Advertisement "The homeless obviously have no access to cooking facilities, so they'd discard anything that needed a microwave or oven. "We decided to distribute a rough sleeper's pack containing foods that do not need to be cooked. "We gave out 2,000 of these last year. They are essentially survival packs. What people need to survive in extreme circumstances are carbs and sugar. Violence against rough sleepers CRISIS reveal people living on the street are nearly 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence 15 times more likely to have suffered verbal abuse in the past year 8 in 10 have suffered some sort of violence or abuse 35 per cent - more than one in three - have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced a form of violence while homeless 34 per cent - more than a third - have had something thrown at them 9 per cent - nearly a tenth - have been urinated on Nearly half of homeless people (48 per cent) have been intimidated or threatened with violence Nearly six out of 10 (59 per cent) have been verbally abused or harrassed while homeless "The packs contain crisps, chocolate, cereal bars, nuts, pepperoni, noodles and mints. Often the homeless have access to hot water, but nothing more." Advertisement Juliet adds: "A perfect storm has created the huge rise in homelessness. 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They often hang around outside of Greggs and it can put people off going in those shops," she says. "You can tell that some of them are on drugs. It must be really hard for those who have hit hard times and are genuinely on the streets." Property crisis 15 Police say they work 'tirelessly' to ensure the city is a safe place to visit Credit: NNP 15 Fundraiser Christopher Clark says there's 'simply not enough homes' in the area Credit: NNP Advertisement Christopher Clark, 54, a fundraiser from Newcastle says a lack of available housing is a significant factor contributing to the growing number of homeless. "I spotted some homeless people on the high street today and did think to myself there had been an increase," he admits. "I can understand why they turn to drugs, a lot of them are in pain and have experienced trauma. "We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration. Advertisement "We don't have enough homes for the country and now we are housing other people. Homelessness help HERE is some useful information if you are homeless or know someone who is experiencing homelessness. FIRST CONTACT If you or someone you know is sleeping rough you can use the alert Streelink service to help connect them with outreach services: FOOD You can find free food stations via: The Pavement - for food and soup runs: Homeless Link - for day centres: The Trussell Trust - for food banks: Food Cycle - for food services - HOUSING Councils have a duty to help people who are homeless or facing homelessness. Contact the Housing Options team from the council you have a local connection to and see if they can offer: Emergency accommodation - a place in a shelter or a hostel Longer-term accommodation including independent or social housing Visit: During times of severe cold or heat, local councils have special accommodation known as Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). Find out more here: For advice, support or legal services related to housing visit You can also contact Crisis: For housing advice, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or visit: DAY CENTRES Day centres can help by providing internet access, free or cheap food, shower and laundry facilities, safe storage for belongings, phone charging and clothes, toiletries or sleeping bags. They can also help with services for benefits or immigration advice; health support; finding work; educational or social activities; hostel, night shelter or outreach referrals. Centres can be found through Homeless Link: BENEFITS Normally you can claim Universal Credit if you are sleeping on the streets or staying in a hostel. If you are in a hostel, you can claim Housing Benefit to help with rent. You do not need a fixed address or a bank account. USEFUL CONTACTS Crisis - visit: Shelter - visit: Centrepoint (for people aged 16-25) - visit: St Mungo's (Bath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Christchurch, Leicester, Oxford, Poole and Reading) - visit: Depaul UK (for young people) - visit: Citizen's Advice (legal advice) - visit: The Samaritans (health and wellbeing) - "There is a property crisis. I spoke to two brothers in Newcastle who were homeless and they said there was a systematic issue because they wanted to be housed together but were separated. "One of them was put in housing and he turned to drink because he was taken away from his brother. "We need to have a housing first policy where they are put in homes and then they can work on their addiction." Advertisement 'City Safe' project 15 Charities say mental health issues are also behind the homeless crisis Credit: NNP Inspector Karen Madge of Newcastle city centre's Neighbourhood Policing Team says neighbourhood officers are working tirelessly to ensure Newcastle city centre is a safe place to visit, work and live for everyone. "The City Safe project, launched last year, brings together Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and business improvement district NE1 to work in tandem to prevent crime, reduce anti-social behaviour," she tells us. "The project will provide increased access to support services for vulnerable people. Advertisement "Working collaboratively with partners allows us to share intelligence and really get to the route of any issues. By identifying these issues early on, we can help prevent further incidents from happening. "Should anyone find themselves homeless or struggling with drug and alcohol misuse, our officers, support workers and those who can assist with housing issues, will work together. "We're committed to being there when the public need us." We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration Christopher Clark A Newcastle City Council spokesperson says while the city has a strong record of preventing homelessness, the combination of poverty, the rising cost of living, housing scarcity, increasing housing demand and limited supply presents a significant challenge for its housing system. Advertisement "Our anti-poverty strategy sets out our commitment to make the prevention of homelessness everybody's responsibility through the identification of the triggers to homelessness including households struggling with income and debt," they tell us. 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