Mum demands dog is put down after Oisin (8) is bitten in face

Little Oisin Grimley has been left too frightened to leave his home in Ardowen after the incident.

His mum Shauneen Nugent said he had gone to a local shop and, on his way, was bitten by a large dog.

Oisin’s face was badly cut and he was treated in hospital. He required stitches.

Shauneen said she feels the dog should be put down after such an incident but, according to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, only the owner or the courts have the authority to euthanize a dog.

The incident happened last Tuesday evening at 5.45pm and the dog warden came to Shauneen’s house on Wednesday afternoon at 2.45pm.

Shauneen feels the dog warden should have removed the dog so it could be destroyed.

“However he left without the dog nor an explanation as to what is to happen to the dog,” said Shauneen, who also has a six-week-old baby.

Shauneen said her son has been too scared to go out after the incident.

She also believes that more action should have been taken.

“I think it is disgraceful that the dog was not put down,” she said.

A spokesperson for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council said: “This incident is currently under investigation.

“Only the owner or the court has the authority to euthanize a dog.

“Following the investigation of a dog attack and with consideration of the council enforcement policy, the council may take the following action: Take no action; Issue an informal warning; Issue a caution; Instigate legal proceedings for the offence(s); Impose control conditions on a dog licence which could require that: a) the dog be securely fitted with a muzzle sufficient to prevent the dog biting any person; b) the dog kept securely confined in a building, shed, yard or other enclosure from which it cannot escape; c) the dog be excluded from specified places; d) neutered (if the dog is a male); e) that the dog be kept under control in a public place; f) that the keeper of the dog attend a specified course of training.”