Latest news with #GardaArmedSupportUnit
Irish Examiner
28-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Almost 50 XL bully dogs surrendered since ban
Almost 50 XL bully dogs have been surrendered since the introduction of the ban on the breed. In October 2024, it became illegal to import, breed, rehome or resell an XL bully dog. On February 1 of this year, it became illegal to own an XL bully dog unless owners had a certificate of exemption. A certificate of exemption cannot be granted for an XL Bully that has not yet been neutered or deemed medically unfit for neutering Limerick and Cork City councils are among those who have seen dogs surrendered to them since the ban was introduced. Rural and community development minister Dara Calleary told Fine Gael TD Maeve O'Connell that in total, 48 XL Bully dogs had been surrendered. The highest numbers were seen in: Dublin City (11) Limerick (10) Cork City (4) Fifteen councils have yet to have seen a dog surrendered. Mr Calleary said: "Members of the public must comply with the regulations. Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. "Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the individual local authorities, who are empowered to seize XL bully -type dogs where necessary under the relevant statutory provisions." The new regulations were introduced to protect public safety following a number of attacks by XL bully type dogs, a restricted breed, including the mauling to death of Nicole Morey, 23, in Limerick last June. Days later, members of the Garda Armed Support Unit had to shoot a pit bull terrier dog, a smaller version of the breed, after a woman was injured at a house in the Ballyphehane area of Cork City. In total, more than 1,800 applications for certificates of exemption were received, and to date almost 1,000 have been granted. Any owner found to be in breach of the laws could see their dog seized and euthanised in a humane manner. The owner could face a fine of up to €2,500, a jail term of up to three months, or both. Read More Cork college staff and students encouraged to home pups for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Five arrested as drugs and imitation firearm seized in massive operation
Five people have been arrested after a massive day of action by gardaí in Co Wicklow. Uniformed officers from across the county took part in a number of investigations under Operation Thor. They were assisted by the Detective Unit, Roads Policing Unit, Garda Armed Support Unit, and Air Support Unit during today's planned operation. Together, they conducted searches of 13 locations early this morning, targeting those involved in burglary, theft, and drug-related offences in the county. During these searches, five people were arrested and are currently detained. An imitation firearm was seized and will be sent for ballistic analysis. Gardaí also conducted more than 80 checkpoints over the course of today's operation. Friday's operation follows the arrest of 12 other people over the past ten days who were wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court. Furthermore, more than €100,000 worth of drugs was seized by officers in the past two weeks, and two people were arrested. One person is now before the courts in connection with this seizure in Co Wicklow. Throughout the day, crime and burglary patrols—both covert and high-visibility—were carried out, along with a series of checkpoints. A number of road traffic and crime-related detections were made. Commenting on this activity, Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes from the Wexford Wicklow Division said: "When a person's home is broken into or someone has had their possessions taken from them, it can leave a lasting impact and really affect their sense of safety and privacy. It's an invasion and causes huge upset. "Gardaí across Wicklow have been working around the clock to fully investigate the crimes that have been committed, and are determined to continue detecting and preventing criminals from profiting from the hardship of others – our work this month demonstrates our commitment to robustly investigate and prosecute offenders who engage in this type of crime.'
