Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council prosecutes dog owners

The first case concerned the owner of three Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dogs that attacked and badly injured a Yorkshire Terrier being walked by its owner in a public place.

The defendant was fined on three counts of being the keeper of a dog, namely a Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog, which attacked another animal belonging to another person contrary to Article 28(2) of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.

He was fined £100 in respect of each count and was also ordered to pay £75 legal costs, £42 court costs together with £15 offender levy. The defendant was also ordered to pay a veterinary bill of £160 for treatment of the injured dog.

The second case concerned the owner of an Akita dog that was straying and subsequently attacked and injured a Labrador dog being walked by its owner. This dog had been involved in a previous incident where it had attacked another dog and control conditions had been imposed on the owner requiring her to ensure the dog did not stray and had to be on a leash at all times when in a public place.

The defendant was fined £100 for each offence of allowing their dog to attack another animal, permitting the dog to stray and for breaching the two control notices. They were also ordered to pay £68 court costs, £75 legal costs together with £15 offender levy. The Judge also granted a compensation order for £60 to the complainant in respect of the veterinary bill.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding said: “Reports of irresponsible dog ownership are taken very seriously by Council’s enforcement team. Where it is warranted we will bring forward prosecutions like this and I hope these latest cases will serve to act as a deterrent and remind dog owners about their responsibilities.

“We do not want to see someone injured, or another dog put in danger, because of the careless behaviour of others. I would appeal to all dog owners to ensure their pets are kept under control in order to keep our public places safe for everyone.”

The Council’s Environmental Services team can be contacted by ringing 028 2766 0200 or email [email protected].​