Dangerous Dog Cases
Publish Date: Monday, 21 December 2009
In light of a further recent tragedy highlighted in the national news caused by the careless ownership of illegal pit bull type dog, Dungannon Council is pleased to report that they have recently successfully prosecuted another person for possessing one of these highly dangerous animals. This brings the total number of successful prosecutions in this council area to 8, resulting in 9 pit bull dogs being removed from the streets of this Borough.
However, success in such cases comes at a price and it has been estimated that these cases have cost the council in the region of £32000, which includes the cost of kennelling these dogs, expert witness reports and legal fees, all of which are necessary as these cases tend to hinge on technical details of specific dog breeds and types. In comparison the courts have awarded the council costs of approximately £16000 in return. This is due to a number of reasons, mainly that the courts are limited by law as to the amounts they can award prosecuting authorities and that the financial circumstances of the defendant are considered when costs are awarded.
In return, there have been fines totalling £4000 handed out on top of these costs, orders made banning those prosecuted from owning any dog, a suspended prison sentence and even a term of two months actual imprisonment in one instance.
Despite these costs Dungannon Council remains committed to ensuring that they will remove these dogs from the streets of the Borough in an effort to prevent a tragedy such as the savage mauling of a child happening here.
Those persons considering buying a dog for Christmas, or at any time for that matter, are urged to ensure that they are fully aware of the breed or type of dog that they are buying as it is not always easy to distinguish what a small puppy will grow into. Always ensure that the person you are buying from is either a reputable dog breeder, registered with the local council, or from a rehoming centre that can provide details of the history of each dog.
Should you have any concerns about banned dogs you can contact the Licenisng Unit in Dungannon Council on 028 8772 0366 for more information. Anyone wishing to report a suspected pit bull type, or other banned breed, dog can do so with complete confidentiality on the same number.
