A dog in Dunboyne, Meath, died after suffering severe facial injuries from what witnesses and rescuers believe was a deliberate firework attack on Halloween night. The dog was found alive but later succumbed to its wounds, prompting outrage from the community and animal welfare groups. Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, condemned the act as a crime under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and called for those responsible to be prosecuted. The charity has petitioned the government to create a dedicated Garda animal welfare crime unit, close loopholes in dog breeding regulations, and launch public education campaigns linking animal cruelty to broader social issues.

Local officials expressed shock and anger over the incident, highlighting the trauma caused to the dog’s owner, the woman who found the animal, and the wider community. Meath County Council’s Leas Cathaoirleach Caroline O’Reilly described the attack as a cruel act that marred what should have been a family-friendly Halloween. The case has intensified calls for stronger enforcement and recognition of animal welfare authorities to prevent such deliberate acts of cruelty in the future.