Council: put safety first, dog owners

The appeal comes as Council continues to receive reports about incidents where dogs have attacked people and other animals.

While it is important to enjoy a daily walk, dog owners are encouraged to use leads in public spaces, especially if there are other people or dog walkers in the vicinity.

If your dog attacks and injures another dog, the owner or the person in charge of the dog is liable for prosecution. The maximum fine for this offence is £1000. If an attack causes injury to another person, the maximum court penalty is a fine of £5000 along with a possible prison term. A court can also order the dog to be humanely destroyed.

Council can impose legal requirements on the owner of a dog suspected of being involved in an attack, eg ensuring it wears a muzzle or is kept on a lead in public. To report a dog attack incident, email [email protected]