Council takes prosecutions: Reminder to owners not to let dogs stray

The reminder comes after two local residents were convicted at Lisburn Magistrates Court on November 15 of letting their dogs stray.

Ms Joanne McClenaghan from Old Warren was due to appear in court, as was Mr Owen Scullion of Magheralave, but neither appeared.

Fixed penalties had previously been issued to both parties by the council’s Enforcement Officer, which neither party paid.

Judge Rosie Watters convicted both individuals in their absence.

She ordered each to pay a fine of £150, costs of £94 and an Offender Levy of £15, making a total of £259 each.

Taking the opportunity to remind the public of the problems created by stray dogs in the community, Cllr James Baird said: “Dog owners should ensure that their dogs are kept secure on their own property as they can often cause road accidents when straying and unwanted fouling on our footpaths.”

He stressed that the council will continue to prosecute irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs wander the streets.

The council has urged anyone wanting to report problems regarding dogs straying to call 028 9250 9394.