The revelation came as a woman badly injured in the attack is recovering from surgery at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
Her injuries, while not life threatening, have been described as serious as the dog was apparently able to knock her to the ground and repeatedly bite her head and upper body.
It is likely that the woman, aged in her 30s, will require plastic surgery once she has recovered from her injuries.
The incident occurred in a housing estate in the Ballyvolane area after 6pm, and the woman’s desperate screams for help alerted local residents.
A pit bull type dog. Stock image
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – July 20th
Horrified locals tried to help the woman and attempted to fend off the enraged dog.
The large animal had apparently knocked the woman to the ground and was attempting to maul her arms, face and head.
Courageous locals rushed to the scene and tried to get the dog away from the woman and protect her from further injury.
At least one other person suffered bite injuries as they bravely tried to protect the woman.
Gardaí, supported by armed officers, attended the scene along with paramedics, dog control officers and a vet.
The woman was brought to safety, and the animal was euthanised.
Locals said the woman was left traumatised by the mauling.
She was treated at the scene before being rushed by ambulance to CUH.
A second individual who suffered bite injuries during the incident was treated at the scene but did not require hospitalisation.
Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The dog involved is understood to have been a beloved family pet and had never before displayed any aggressive traits.
Locals were deeply shocked by the mauling.
The area involved has a lot of children playing in greens and open areas.
Ireland has witnessed a number of serious dog attacks over recent years.
Two people, including a young baby, died in separate attacks in Waterford in 2021 and in Limerick in 2024.
A young boy was left with serious facial injuries after he was attacked by an XL Bully dog in Wexford in 2022.
A woman narrowly escaped fatal injuries in Cork in 2016 when she was attacked by her partner’s bull terrier and surgeons subsequently had to fight to save her arm.
XL Bullys were effectively outlawed each year, with owners required to surrender their animals or apply for special permission to keep them.