Why Dog Attacks Are Higher in Mayo: What the Latest Figures Show and How Owners Can Reduce Risk

If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour, or if you live in an area experiencing higher levels of dog attacks, contact us today for personalised training and behaviour support. Early intervention prevents problems from becoming serious.

Recent data has drawn attention to County Mayo and its position among the highest reporting counties for dog attacks and aggressive behaviour incidents in Ireland. While headlines often focus on shocking individual events, the wider story is more complex. It involves community habits, rural living, responsible ownership, training gaps and simple misunderstandings about canine behaviour.

This article takes a closer look at what the numbers reveal, why Mayo seems to be experiencing a higher rate of incidents, and most importantly, what owners can do to reduce risk. The goal is not to alarm, but to provide balanced guidance so that dogs, families, neighbours and livestock can live safely alongside each other.

The reported figures at a glance

Recent reports show the following for Mayo in 2024:

• Thirty one incidents where people were physically injured by dog attacks.

• Seventy seven reports of aggressive dog behaviour that did not escalate into physical injury.

• Additional livestock attacks in rural areas, including sheep worrying and cases where dogs caused serious harm or death to farm animals.

These numbers place Mayo high on the national list for reported incidents. It is important to understand what “reported” means, what influences those numbers, and whether it reflects a genuine increase in risk or a local pattern in reporting behaviours.

Why the numbers in Mayo appear so high

There are several reasons why Mayo may have higher reported figures than other counties. It is rarely a simple case of “more dangerous dogs”. Instead, it is influenced by environment, culture and awareness.

1. Rural living creates more freedom for dogs

Across many parts of Mayo, dogs are often kept in ways that reflect traditional rural habits. Some families allow dogs to roam freely for part of the day. In other homes, boundaries between gardens, land and public spaces are more open. While many dogs navigate these spaces safely, it increases the chances of:

• Dogs meeting unfamiliar people without supervision

• Dogs encountering livestock

• Multiple dogs forming loose roaming groups

• Dogs reacting defensively when startled

A dog that is calm at home may behave differently when wandering without guidance or structure.

2. Higher interactions with livestock

Livestock worrying remains a serious concern in Mayo. Sheep, in particular, are vulnerable to dogs that run, chase or approach them out of excitement. It is important to remember that dogs do not need to intend harm. Even playful chasing can cause significant stress to sheep, especially during sensitive periods such as lambing.

In many livestock incidents, the dog has no history of aggression. The problem is often linked to poor recall, lack of training around livestock, or the dog having too much freedom in rural areas.

3. Large working or guardian breeds are common

Mayo has a higher proportion of certain breeds that are traditionally kept for:

• Farm work

• Property guarding

• Outdoor living

• Mixed working roles

These dogs often have strong instincts, high drive or bold temperaments. Without structure, training and controlled exposure, these traits can lead to:

• Territorial behaviour

• Over arousal around strangers

• Chase behaviours

• Resource guarding

• Stress reactions around livestock

Strong breeds can make wonderful family companions, but they require clear guidance and consistent boundaries.

4. Gaps in owner understanding

In many incidents, the root issue is a misunderstanding between owner and dog. Many behaviours that lead to aggression are not sudden. They develop gradually through subtle early signs such as:

• Tension around handling

• Unease with unfamiliar people

• Poor socialisation in the first year

• Lack of safe exposure to busy environments

• Unresolved fear responses

• Protective or territorial habits

Without early training, these behaviours harden over time.

5. Stronger reporting culture in some communities

It is also possible that Mayo communities are simply more active in reporting incidents than other areas. Two counties can have similar levels of aggression, but very different reporting habits. This affects comparative data.

The livestock sector, in particular, reports incidents more consistently than general pet owners, which may elevate Mayo’s overall numbers.

Understanding aggression: what owners need to know

Aggression does not mean a dog is dangerous by nature. Dogs behave aggressively for reasons that can usually be identified and addressed. Some common triggers include:

• Fear

• Pain

• Resource guarding

• Lack of social skills

• Frustration

• Territory or property protection

• Herding or chase drive

• Overwhelm

• Confusion

When we look at behaviour through this lens, dog attacks stop being mysterious events and start making sense within the dog’s experience.

What matters most is early recognition. Small issues, if ignored, can build towards serious incidents.

Common risk scenarios in Mayo

Based on recent reports, several situations appear repeatedly in incident descriptions.

1. Dogs roaming loose near roads or footpaths

A dog that feels responsible for guarding its home or garden may extend that behaviour to nearby areas if not contained.

2. Walkers passing houses with reactive dogs in gardens

A dog that charges a boundary can frighten or injure passers by, especially if fences are low or access points are open.

3. Dogs approaching livestock during walks

Even a single moment off lead can lead to chasing behaviour.

4. Children interacting with unfamiliar dogs

Most aggressive incidents involving children occur due to miscommunication, not deliberate harm.

5. Multi dog households without structure

Dogs can influence one another. A dog that would not react alone may react within a group.

How owners can reduce risk

Whether you live in Mayo or any other county, these principles apply to all dog owners. They are practical, manageable and effective.

1. Keep dogs securely contained

Proper fencing, gates and home boundaries reduce risk dramatically. Dogs should not roam without supervision.

2. Train solid recall

A reliable recall is one of the most important safety tools an owner can have. It prevents:

• Livestock worrying

• Road accidents

• Unwanted interactions with people

• Chasing behaviours

3. Build calm greeting and handling skills

Dogs should learn to approach people gently, avoid jumping, and respect space.

4. Socialise early, carefully and consistently

Exposure should be gradual and positive, helping puppies learn to feel safe around:

• Children

• Adults

• Livestock

• Traffic

• Other dogs

• Rural and urban environments

5. Use leads and long lines responsibly

Especially near livestock, roads, or unfamiliar dogs.

6. Learn to recognise early stress signals

Dogs often show subtle indicators before reacting. These include:

• Lip licking

• Turning the head away

• Freezing

• Stiff posture

• Whale eye

• Low growls

• Avoidance

Responding early prevents escalation.

7. Seek help at the first sign of concern

Behaviour rarely improves on its own. Professional guidance is key.

Why livestock attacks happen even with “friendly” dogs

Many owners are shocked when their dog chases or harms livestock. It often feels completely out of character. The truth is that most livestock worrying does not involve deliberate aggression. Instead it is driven by:

• Excitement

• Curiosity

• Herding instinct

• Prey drive

• Lack of training

• Lack of recall

Even gentle dogs may feel overwhelmed by the movement of sheep or cattle. A dog that chases once is likely to repeat the behaviour unless trained carefully. Farmers face distressing consequences, and dogs can be seriously harmed.

Preventing livestock chasing is not about punishing dogs. It is about management, training and safe handling.

The human impact of dog attacks

Behind every statistic is a person who has experienced fear, pain or shock. Common emotional responses include:

• Anxiety around dogs

• Loss of confidence

• Distress for children who witness or experience attacks

• Worry for pets that have been injured

• Strain within communities

Owners may also feel guilt or shame after an incident. It is important to remember that seeking help is a responsible step, not an admission of failure.

The dog’s experience matters too

Dogs involved in attacks often suffer after the incident. They may feel:

• Confusion

• Stress

• Increased fear

• Hypervigilance

This can worsen behaviour unless owners provide structure, training and reassurance. With the right support, many dogs recover and adapt well.

How training and behaviour support can prevent future incidents

Professional training is not only for dogs with severe problems. It is for any owner who wants safety, reliability and confidence.

Support can include:

• One to one behaviour assessments

• Recall training plans

• Lead handling and loose lead walking

• Reactivity reduction programmes

• Social skills training

• Livestock safety training

• Managing multi dog households

• Puppy foundations

Early guidance prevents long term problems.

Conclusion

The higher number of dog attacks reported in Mayo does not mean that the county has more dangerous dogs. It means that a combination of rural living, roaming habits, livestock interactions, strong working breeds and reporting culture has created a perfect storm of risk factors.

The good news is that dog behaviour can be improved, managed and guided with the right support. Responsible ownership, training and early intervention protect dogs, families and communities.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour, or if you would like help preventing problems before they develop, contact us today. We support owners across Ireland (and beyond) with practical, kind and effective training.