Protection Against Dangerous Dogs Announced

“Anyone who flouts the law by setting, urging or allowing a dog to attack, be that on a person, livestock or pet animal, can expect tough penalties.” However, Down District Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker has called for increased powers of seizure of dangerous dogs by Council Enforcement Officers. He said, “We need to safeguard the public, pets and livestock from these dangerous animals. There have been a number of complaints of rottweilers roaming free on the Windmill Hill /Loughside area in Ballynahinch. [caption id="attachment_26497" align="alignleft" width="383" caption="Grrrrrr!! Owners of dangerous dogs now face severe penalties if the dog attacks a person or other animal."][/caption] “The Enforcement Officers should have the power to seize these animals in such circumstances. At the moment it seems that if a notice to attend court is served on the owner that dangerous animal can still wander around until the court appearance in possibly six months time. In this time a dog could maul someone or even kill them. This is quite wrong. An Enforcement Officer cannot demand that a dog be handed over. They do not have the power. We need to be preventative in our approach. “If there is evidence that a dog has attacked someone it should be seized to prevent further danger to the public. I fully support the Council wardens. They need to be empowered to do their job properly.” A Council spokesperson said, “Down District Council’s Dog Warden Service welcomes any new legislation which will assist in the control of dogs. At this time only some parts of the legislation have come into operation, with the full powers not due until April 2012. In the meantime Council Officers will be informing dog owners of the district on the changes in dog control legislation.” The Minister  also added, “The remaining provisions of the Act which deal with the control conditions for problem dogs, dog licence fee and fixed penalty notices will come into operation on 3 October 2011. The increase in the licence fees, enhanced powers for dog wardens and fixed penalties will take effect from that date. As agreed by the Assembly the final provisions making the microchipping of dogs compulsory will not come into force until April 2012. “My predecessor Michelle Gildernew brought this Act through the Assembly and I am determined to ensure that this Act is fully enacted by April 2012. “The Act will provide the most comprehensive powers in these islands to deal with the scourge of uncontrolled dogs. It will allow enforcers to hold owners and keepers to account, especially where they have failed to exercise adequate control of their dogs.” The Dogs (Amendment)(2011 Act)(Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 is available at http://www.legislation.gov.uk. Guidance for members of the public on the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 including the Dogs (Amendment) Act (NI) 2011 is available on the NI Direct website at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/dogs]]>