A dangerous Spanish bull dog is to be put on the list of restricted breeds in Ireland.
The move follows the recent attack which left a nine-year-old boy, Alejandro Mizsan, fighting for his life in Wexford.
Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphries, who has responsibility for dog control, confirmed the Presa Canario breed is now on the dangerous dogs list and is the first of a number of "fighting" animals which are to be brought under control.
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This means they must be muzzled while out in public, can not be kept in a local authority housing estate and must be walked on a two-metre lead by a person older than 16 years of age.
It is understood there were complaints about the Spanish species nationwide.
The Presa Canario is currently banned in Australia and New Zealand.
They are a fighting bulldog that originated in Tenerife and are twice the size of a pitbull terrier. They can cost between €3,500 to €7,000.
The breed of dog involved in the Wexford attack, the XL bully dog, originates in America.
The same type of dog was responsible for the brutal death of a woman in England over a year ago in an unprovoked attack. Pitbull terriers themselves are banned in the UK.
Minister Humphries said: " My thoughts and prayers are with Alejandro Mizsan, and his family and friends following the horrific ordeal that he endured. I was utterly shocked at the awful events in Wexford.
"I believe now is the time to consolidate work in relation to dog control legislation across the Government. We need action to safeguard people and that we are promoting a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland.
"As a result of a recent review my Department is proposing to amend the control of dog regulations to include the Presa Canario breed of dog.
"I intend to take action shortly to respond to the growing concern about dogs which are not under proper control. My Department is currently working on options including amendments to primary legislation and regulations in relation to on the spot fines."
She was responding to representations from several TDs.
Alejandro was attacked over a month ago as he played with friends.
The dog was not on a lead and he was mauled in a public park in Enniscorthy, sustaining serious damage to his face.
The child has had two operations and spent Christmas in hospital. He is unlikely to get home until the end of January.
The dog involved was killed.
The current restricted dog list in Ireland includes American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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