Dog killed in Dunboyne was not victim of fireworks attack and may have been hit by vehicle

Reports that a dog was killed following a suspected fireworks attack in Dunboyne on Halloween night are incorrect with the animal understood to have died as a result of injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Gardaí received a report of a deceased dog in a park area in Dunboyne, Co Meath, which was discovered sometime between 8:30pm and 9:00pm on 31st October 2025.

Following enquiries with the dog’s owner, it has been established that the dog was brought by its owner to a veterinarian in Co. Meath on the evening of the 31st October, where the dog was examined and determined to have died as a result of injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The veterinarian found no burns or injuries that could have been caused by a firework.

A Garda spokesperson said it would appear that the dog may have become scared as a result of the noise of fireworks, escaped from their home and subsequently, likely struck by a vehicle.

"An Garda Síochána is very conscious of the volume of online commentary in relation to this incident, which is misinformed.

"The online commentary on this incident is very upsetting to the owners of the dog, who have lost a very much loved family pet in upsetting circumstances.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps."

Animal welfare groups had called for stronger enforcement after the initial reports that a dog had died following a suspected firework attack.