Newbuildings dog-owner may face legal proceedings over attack

The young child was bitten by the dog on March 10 this year but despite the dog's owner being asked to attend a PACE interview and licence two dogs in her possession following the incident she has thusfar failed to do so., according to the council.

In a report to the council's Environmental Services Committee, due for consideration today, September 8, the Chief Environmental Health Officer requests permission to take legal action against the woman.

The report states: "I wish to instigate legal proceedings against the owner of a dog in the Newbuildings area regarding a 9 year old child who was bitten by the dog on 10 March 2010. The owner was invited for a PACE interview but did not attend and she has also failed to license two dogs in her possession. Fixed penalty notices were issued in respect of the licensing contraventions which have not been paid.

"I would recommend that legal proceedings be instigated against the keeper of the dog at the time of this incident for the following offence: Dogs (NI) Order 1983 - Article 29(1)A offence for a dog to attack any person and also for the offence of non-payment of fixed penalty notices issued for failure to have 2 dogs licensed; Dogs (NI) Order 1983 - Article 17(1)A offence that there is no valid licence held in respect of that dog."

Meanwhile, there were 11 attacks on people and nine attacks on livestock by dogs in the Derry City Council area during June.

There were 52 incidents of straying and five of fouling during the month whilst nineteen stray dogs were impounded; six dogs were reclaimed; ten were unwanted; six were sold/rehomed; and 14 were humanely destroyed.

The council served 11 Fixed Penalty Notices and 10 Health Check/Neutering Vouchers throughout the month.