Council Successfully Prosecutes Dungannon Couple For Sheep Worrying Offences
Mid Ulster District Council is reminding dog owners of the importance of keeping dogs under control, especially in areas where livestock are present, after a Dungannon couple has pleaded guilty to sixteen offences under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (as amended) at Dungannon Departmental Court, sitting at Omagh Courthouse on Monday 10 June 2024.
Following an investigation, legal proceedings were instigated by Mid Ulster District Council for offences of permitting a dog to stray; being in charge of a dog which worries or attacks livestock; and contravening of control conditions attached to dog licences.
The court heard that five dogs belonging to the Defendants, repeatedly left their property and worried and attacked livestock on neighbouring land on five separate occasions between the dates of 20th July 2023 and 26th September 2023.
These attacks resulted in significant distress and financial loss to the farmer and multiple animals were both injured or killed.
The owner of four of the dogs was ordered by District Judge Ranahan to pay a total of £480 in fines, £100 towards the Councils’ legal costs, compensation of £850 to the livestock owner, and a £15 Court offender levy.
The owner of the fifth dog was also ordered by the Judge to pay a total of £200 in fines, £100 towards the Councils’ legal costs, compensation of £350 to the livestock owner, and a £15 Court offender levy.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, Councillor Kyle Black said:
“This prosecution shows the need for all dog owners to be responsible and ensure their dogs do not stray. Stray dogs can foul, attack other dogs and attack people or livestock causing distress and even financial loss. The Council takes any incidence of dog attacks seriously and, where warranted, we will instigate legal proceedings against irresponsible dog owners.”
If you own a dog, you are responsible for how it behaves at home and in public. It is an offence to allow a dog to attack or cause serious injury to a person or livestock, or to behave in such a way that makes a person worried that it might attack them.
Dogs that behave dangerously may be seized by the Council dog warden, and their owners prosecuted. The dogs may be destroyed if the Court considers that they are a danger to the public.