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Jessica Lawrence of BBC News NI reported that only 236 out of more than 11,000 dog attacks investigated in Northern Ireland since 2017 have led to successful prosecutions. Under the current law, dog owners can face fines up to £5,000 or even imprisonment if found guilty of an offense. Council dog wardens are tasked with investigating attacks, seizing potentially dangerous dogs, and issuing penalty notices. Campaigners argue that more needs to be done to ensure attacks are properly investigated and, if necessary, taken to court.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated that legislation regarding dog control has been continuously updated to grant councils extensive powers to investigate and prosecute dog attacks on individuals, other animals, and livestock. However, due to limitations imposed by the Assembly’s mandate, additional legislation beyond what is already scheduled is currently restricted. This hinders further progress in addressing the issue of dog attacks effectively.
Deirdre McCanney shared her harrowing experience of a dog attack that resulted in the death of her chihuahua, Chica, in May. Two unattended, aggressive dogs grabbed and pulled Chica out of her harness while McCanney was walking back to her north Belfast home. Despite efforts from neighbors to intervene, Chica’s injuries were too severe, leading to her passing on the operating table. McCanney expressed frustration at the current legislation, emphasizing the need for more stringent measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The law in Northern Ireland, as outlined in The Dogs (NI) Order 1983, places primary enforcement responsibility on councils in cases of dog attacks. Owners found guilty of aggressive behavior that poses a threat to individuals could face fines up to £5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months. However, chief executive of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Heather Weir, highlighted challenges in successful prosecution due to various factors, including differing interpretations of legislation and limited funding for animal welfare. Weir emphasized the importance of promoting responsible dog ownership to prevent such attacks from happening in the first place
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