12-month-old baby girl ‘seriously injured’ after XL bully attack in Kerry

The incident comes as XL bully dogs are set to be banned in Ireland.

In a statement to JOE, Gardaí said they were made aware of the incident that occurred in Lixnaw on Saturday evening (17 August).

"A child was seriously injured following a dog attack. She is currently receiving treatment at Cork University Hospital," a Garda spokesperson said.

"The dog has since been destroyed by local veterinary services."

According to multiple outlets, the dog was an XL bully and the child was a 12-month-old girl.

The reports state it is also understood that the attack occurred at the child's home and that the victim underwent surgery in the wake of the incident.

It is also said that the girl is now recovering.

This incident comes following several major dog attacks in recent months in Ireland.

In June of this year, 23-year-old woman Nicole Morey died after an XL bully attack in Limerick.

A month later, Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys announced a ban on XL bully dogs.

From October 1 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL bullies.

Then from February 1 2025, it will be illegal to own the type of dog without a "certificate of exemption".

"Certificates of Exemption will be issued subject to strict criteria, including a requirement for licensing, microchipping and neutering," a Government statement read.

The statement also said that Minister Humphreys was announcing the ban "in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks by XL bullies, which included the death of a young woman, Nicole Morey, in Limerick".

For more on the ban, visit the Government's website right here.