THIS week, Wednesday June 4, marked the first anniversary of the death of Nicole Morey, whose fatal mauling by her own dogs shone a spotlight on dangerous dog breeds in Ireland.
Ms Morey’s tragic death was highlighted Tuesday, June 3, at Limerick Circuit Court where her brother, Bradley Morey, pleaded guilty to a litany of criminal offences, which he committed prior to his sister’s killing.
Pleading for leniency at Mr Morey’s sentencing hearing, defence barrister, Liam Carroll BL, highlighted Nicole Morey’s death and said it had been “exceptionally difficult” for Bradley Morey, who was a “juvenile” when he committed a “spree” of criminal offences.
Morey, (18), of Bawnmore, Southill, Limerick, admitted a total of 11 offences, including being armed with a metal bar while engaging with others in violent disorder, stealing cars, breaking into cars, and driving away from filling station forecourts without paying for motor fuel.
Mr Carroll asked the court to “afford Mr Morey whatever leniency it can” and described Nicole Morey’s death was “an exceptional tragedy” for the defendant.
“One year ago his sister was sadly mauled to death by two XL bully dogs, and matters went from bad to worse for Mr Morey,” Mr Carroll told Judge Fiona O’Sullivan.
The barrister said Mr Morey, had heard about his sister’s shocking death while in custody awaiting sentence and that it had left him traumatised.
“He started smoking cannabis when he was 12 years old, he was keeping bad company, and to comprehend matters the family dynamic became worse one year ago when his sister was sadly mauled to death by her two XL Bully dogs,” Mr Carroll told the sentencing hearing, which was adjourned.
Nicole Morey’s death fuelled a national debate about the banning of dogs which many people considered to be a dangerous breed, however some owners of the dogs disagreed.
Following her sister’s death, Jolene Morey publicly called for XL Bully dogs to be banned.
On February 1 last, new legislation was introduced making it illlegal to own an XL Bully dog unless an owner can produce a certificate of exemption.
Just days ahead of the first anniversary of her sister’s death, Jolene Morey posted heartfelt tributes to her on social media.
“I miss you so much…I can’t wait for the day we get to see each other again,” Ms Morey wrote.
“After loosing your only sister is (most) painful thing that anyone can go (through) in life, how my life has changed it’s so horrible without you Nicole I miss you so so much,” she stated.
“Everyday is so different for me now and it’s so horrible, I’ll never get used (to) this, it breaks my heart it doesn’t feel real yet to me Nicole, I wish you we’re here, I miss you so much,” she added.
Last week it emerged that 50 XL Bully dog breeds had been surrendered to local authorities since the new law was introduced.
Last October it also became illegal to import, breed, regime or resell an XL Bully.
Certificates of exemptions cannot be granted to XL Bully dog owners that have not been neutered or deemed medically unfit for neutering.
The highest numbers of XL Bully dogs were surrendered to local authorities, since February 1st, were Dublin City Council (11); Limerick City and County Council (10); Cork City Council (4).
Armed Gardai were deployed to Nicole Morey’s rented home in Fedamore, County Limerick, after she was attacked by her dogs on her 23rd birthday.
The armed officers shot one of the dogs and took control of others at the rural property on June 4, 2024.
Last March an XL Bully dog was shot by armed gardai in Limerick as they chased a drugs suspect and the animal was later euthanised by a vet.
A week prior to Nicole Morey’s death, eight year old Jackson Flynn, Limerick, was attacked by a dog in a park and sustained 30 stitches to his face.
