Reported dog attacks in Mid and East Antrim rise by 50 per cent during lockdown

The local authority’s appeal follows an alleged incident in Carrickfergus last Tuesday (April 21).

A concerned resident contacted the Carrick Times to claim his son-in-law received stitches to an arm injury and his pet labrador had to receive medical treatment at a vet after an another dog allegedly attacked them in the town last week.

In response, a Mid and East Antrim spokesperson said: “Council are investigating a number of incidents but are unable to comment on specifics of any matter still under investigation and/or subject to proceedings. Enforcement of any dog attack is a priority and council would encourage anyone with information regarding an attack to call the enforcement officer team on 028 25 633120.”

The attacks investigated by enforcement officers include serious and non-serious incidents. Council, which recorded six attacks this year from April 1 to April 22, is reminding people that dogs must be on a lead when out walking and contained when unsupervised.

In a joint statement, group party leaders on the local authority said: “Council gives a high priority to the investigation of any dog attack. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, such as prosecution for offences.

“We hope reporting this rise in attacks serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care to prevent their dog attacking another dog, or indeed other animals or persons, that action will be taken.

“Council would ask that dog owners are responsible and ensure their dogs are under control at all times when in a public place.

“When their dogs are not in a public place, the keeper of the dog must ensure that their dog be securely confined in a building, yard or other enclosure from which it cannot escape.”

Council pointed out too:

If an offence is committed, it is punishable by up to six months imprisonment and a fine of £5,000.

If the dog does injure the person attacked, you could be sentenced to two years imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.

If the dog attacks and injures another person’s pet, you are guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.

If you deliberately set the dog on livestock or another person’s pet you could be fined up to £2,500.

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