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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council brings prosecution following dog attack

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council brings prosecution following dog attack

Fri, November 13, 2020

A prosecution case brought by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council against a dog owner whose dog attacked and injured a person was heard last week in Ballymena Magistrates Court

The case concerned an attack by a German Shepard dog which was being held on a leash in a public place by a juvenile. As a person walked by, the dog lunged and bit the man on his thigh causing two puncture wounds which required medical treatment.

After an investigation by Council, legal proceedings were brought against the owner of the dog for the offence of their dog attacking a person contrary to Article 29 of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983

The owner of the dog entered a guilty plea in Court. After considering the financial circumstances of the defendant, a fine of £200 was imposed. The defendant was also ordered to pay £34 court costs, £75 legal costs together with £15 offender levy.

A Council spokesperson said: “This case shows the importance of ensuring that anyone with a dog in a public place is able to properly control their dogs so they do not present any risk to the public. Any complaints of dog attacks will be thoroughly investigated and where appropriate legal proceedings will be brought against irresponsible dog owners”

You can contact the Council’s Environmental Services team by ringing on 028 2766 0200 or email environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.