Irish Kennel Club died as a result of an attack by two dogs in Ireland, an incident that has prompted calls from the IKC, Veterinary Ireland and the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) for a review of dog control and breeding legislation and for stepped-up education on dog behaviour.

The IKC said it was “shocked and saddened” by McDonagh’s death and used the case to press for changes to both regulatory and husbandry standards. The club published a statement on its website setting out proposals linked to the ongoing review of the Dog Breeding Establishment Acts, and urged that legislative reform be paired with stronger public education.

IKC president Sean Delmar highlighted one specific proposal from the review document on dog-breeding establishments: “The current review document on Dog Breeding Establishment Acts calls for 1 staff member per 30 dogs to clean, feed, exercise and socialize dogs on a daily basis,” he said, arguing that staffing and husbandry standards are central to improving socialisation and welfare.

The IKC noted behavioural factors that it sees as contributing to severe incidents, saying fear and territorial aggression are often the result of inadequate socialisation by so-called puppy farmers. The club said the vast majority of victims are children and that most bites occur during the summer months, and has developed an educational tool aimed at small children to promote safer interactions with dogs.

Veterinary Ireland said it supports efforts to improve public education about dog aggression and responsible ownership, emphasising accessible information for families and caretakers so they can recognise risky interactions. The DSPCA said it has worked with the IKC on recommendations related to dog breeding legislation, and the organisations collectively argue that legislative and educational measures should work in tandem to reduce risk.

Dr Paraic O Suilleabhain, speaking in the context of the policy debate, warned that legislation which lists particular breeds can create a false impression that only those dogs are dangerous. “The legislation can give people a false impression that only the listed dogs were ‘dangerous’ and that other breeds would not show aggression,” he said, accompanying calls for broader public education about how fear and territorial behaviours develop.

Campaigners and officials also pointed to broader animal-health and welfare issues as part of the case for improved regulation. Large-scale studies of owner-reported and veterinary data identify common health problems across breeds — including common health problems — and groups say improved breeding oversight, regular veterinary care and early socialisation can reduce both health problems and behavioural risks.

The IKC’s role in promoting responsible ownership extends beyond advocating legal change. The organisation runs education and registration programmes, supports events, and administers training schemes such as the Good Citizen Dog Scheme to advance the health, breeding and sport of purebred dogs while fostering responsible ownership in the community.

Organisations shaping the response said their recommendations will combine legislative measures, improved oversight of breeding establishments and wider outreach to families, schools and community groups. They argue that such a multifaceted approach — including better husbandry in breeding operations, early socialisation of puppies, and clear, accessible public education — will reduce future incidents while also addressing the underlying welfare and health issues observed across the national dog population.

The incident has therefore become a focal point for calls from the IKC, Veterinary Ireland and the DSPCA for both immediate policy review and longer-term investments in education and animal welfare infrastructure.

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Original reporting: view the original article.