A 12-month-old girl is being treated in hospital after being attacked by an XL bully dog.

The most recent incident of this kind occurred on Saturday evening in the village of Lixnaw in north Kerry.

The circumstances of the attack are not known, but the Garda confirmed they are investigating and that a dog was killed by the local veterinary service.

“A child was seriously injured in a dog attack. She is currently being treated at Cork University Hospital,” a spokesman said.

The incident apparently only received greater attention on Monday, when it was reported on local radio.

Listowel councillor Liam Nolan said the community’s thoughts were with the young girl.

“And I wish her family all the best… I know it was a very, very unfortunate incident,” he said. “We are here to help with anything.”

The latest attack by the XL Bully will further fuel the debate surrounding this notorious dog breed, which is now the subject of an impending ban.

( ISPCA: Ban on XL-sized bully dogs poses ‘real risk of dog abandonment’Opens in new window. )

In June, Nicole Lisa Marie Morey (23) from Limerick city was killed by her dogs, including an XL bully, when she returned home in Fedamore after a night out.

Another high-profile attack involved Alejandro Mizsan, a then 10-year-old boy from County Wexford, who suffered severe facial injuries in 2022.

In July, Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys outlined her plans to ban the breed.

“I know many people will disagree with this decision. I am a dog owner myself and I know people love their dogs,” she said. “But we have to be aware that no dog’s life is worth more than a human life. Ultimately, that was the reason I made this decision.”

From October this year, the breeding, placement, resale and import of XL bully dogs will be prohibited. From February next year, only dog ​​owners who have a special permit will be allowed to keep one – which is issued after proof of a license, microchip implantation and castration.