Horror as young woman mauled to death in XL Bully attack on birthday

A young woman was mauled to death in a suspected XL Bully attack on her birthday.

Nicole Morey, 23, had been celebrating her birthday when she was savaged by a dog outside a home in Ballyneety, Co Limerick, on Tuesday night.

Authorities said she was attacked by two of four dogs at the property, one of which was shot by the Gardai.

In a statement Gardai confirmed that officers attended the scene: “At approximately 11.40pm last night, Tuesday June 4 2024, Gardaí received report and attended an incident where a woman (23) was fatally injured following a dog attack at a domestic residence in Ballyneety, Co. Limerick.

“The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel,” a garda spokesperson said. “Her body has been removed from the scene to Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, where a Post Mortem examination will take place.

“The animal believed to be involved in the incident has now been destroyed. A number of other dogs have been seized. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on (061) 214 340, the Gardai Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."

Sources claimed the scene was horrific and that officers did everything they could in the situation, Irish Mirror reports. One relative said: “I’m so heartbroken. On the day of your birthday. I love you Nicole Morey”.

Another said: “God love her, so sad. Thinking of my neighbours Pa and the Morey family at this heartbreaking time. “Rest easy.” Another relative said: “RIP to my cousin Nicole Morey. Thinking of all the Moreys and Patrick O’Donnell.

There are several restricted breeds in Ireland, though the XL Bully is currently not listed, and there are no banned breeds.

Which dog breeds are restricted in Ireland?

The restricted breeds in Ireland are:

Restricted dogs must be kept collared with their owner’s information on a tag, muzzled in public and on a short, strong lead with someone over the age of 16 who is able to control them.

Strains or cross breeds of those breeds are also restricted.