A Leitrim Dog Warden is urging pet owners across the region not to leave their animals tied up for long periods of time.
Warden Larry O'Connor issued the warning following an incident this week that saw him suffer a serious dog bite in Ballinamore.
According to the Warden, the animal had escaped by chewing through the rope holding it, before proceeding to chase nearby cattle.
On reaching for the dog's collar, Larry suffered a severe bite on his arm requiring stitches.
Speaking to Shannonside FM, he says dogs that are tied up all day lack socialisation and can display aggressive behaviour.
''People forget, dogs actually suffer with mental health as well. And most of the mental health issues a dog will suffer with is separation anxiety, which is in more serious situations where a dog is continuously tied up and tied up 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That dog is not getting any socialisation with humans or animals that it will eventually, you know, nine times out of ten become vicious and there's simply nothing you can do for the animals.''
