The ISPCA met Alejandro Mizsan (now aged 11) and his family last year, following the life-altering incident, when he was attacked by an unmuzzled XL Bully on his green in County Wexford. While other children managed to escape, Alejandro was not as fortunate, sustaining injuries that had a lasting impact. The attack was halted by a heroic neighbour who intervened and managed to pull the dog away. Witnessing the severity of the attack, all children that were present were offered counselling. Despite such a traumatic and horrific experience, Alejandro has displayed remarkable courage beyond his years.
Recently in court, a man and a woman have been jailed following the dog attack. Judge James McCourt sentenced the woman to three years in prison for each of the endangerment counts, with the final 12 months of each sentence suspended. The judge handed down a sentence to the man of three years for each of the threats to kill or cause serious harm and 20 months for the inhumane killing of the dog. The man, who has been in custody since November 2022, was given a credit of 12 months for time already served.
The ISPCA is committed to doing everything it can to remove animals from owners who are carrying out acts of cruelty and those who are non-compliant with the legislation. Well done to all involved in bringing this case before the courts.
