Leading plastic surgeon Professor Jack Kelly has advocated for banning restricted dog breeds, highlighting the severe physical and psychological trauma from dog attacks. Kelly, president of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons, emphasized the devastating impact of such injuries, particularly on children.
This call for a ban follows Ireland’s Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys’ announcement to outlaw XL bully dogs after a fatal attack on Nicole Morey, 23, in Limerick. Kelly supported this move, citing the significant damage these breeds can inflict. “No plastic surgeon in this country would think it’s a good idea to have restricted breeds of dogs available to the public here,” he stated, noting the particular danger these dogs pose to young children.
Kelly described the severe facial injuries he has treated: “I’ve seen people missing pieces of their lip, ear, and nose. Restricted breeds tend to bite parts of the flesh away, not just cut the skin.”
Incidents like the attack on schoolboy Alejandro Mizsan, who suffered extensive injuries from an XL bully dog, underline the urgent need for regulation. In England and Wales, owning an XL bully dog is already a criminal offense without a valid Certificate of Exemption. Northern Ireland is also considering restrictions on XL bulldogs.
Kelly stressed the lasting psychological effects of dog attacks, often leading to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “The scar is there forever as a constant reminder of what happened,” he said, describing the enduring trauma and the extensive surgical efforts required to minimize scarring.
Children are particularly vulnerable, often suffering facial injuries that necessitate multiple surgeries. Kelly noted an increase in dog bites among children during school holidays, as they spend more time with their pets. “We would see quite a number of dog bites on the face, certainly in young children,” he observed.
Belfast Live reported that restrictions on the American XL Bulldog breed would be among the first issues addressed by the newly reformed Stormont government. In response, organizations like the USPCA and Dogs Trust are advising XL Bully owners on muzzling and neutering their pets to prepare for impending regulations.