North Tipp Councillors appeal to public to remain vigilant regarding dog threat 

 
  Cllr Joe Hannigan appealed to everyone to remain vigilant so there is no repeat of the terrible dog attacks on sheep which happened in Lorrha and Moneygall during the winter, and in Dolla in March.

"Since then," he remarked, "we are more aware of what is happening around us. However, I see people walking dogs in Nenagh which are restricted breeds but they are not muzzled. I think anyone who wants to own a restricted breed should undergo a training course. People don't realise the obligations they are subject to when it comes to looking after and walking these types of dogs. Do we know who the owners of these dogs are, and can we communicate with them directly, informing them of their responsibilities? 
  Cllr Rocky McGrath said the much-loved decent nature of dogs doesn't come to mind a lot of the time when he is thinking about restricted breeds. “Their owners often train them for security. They make me feel uneasy. Their owners say their dogs won't do any harm, but we all know that these situations can get out of hand pretty quickly.” 
  A member of the executive said the Council has run social media campaigns about responsible dog ownership. "We will send out more awareness messaging on social media about responsible ownership of restricted dog breeds," he remarked. "One of the messages is that people have to be over 16 to own a restricted breed." 
  “Every dog, even the cutest dogs,” said Cllr Ger Darcy, “can be a killer when they get into packs.” He appealed to the general public to not let their dogs out at night, because they sometimes meet other dogs and form destructive packs roaming the countryside.