Newry is highest for dog attacks in Northern Ireland
There was 157 dog attacks in Newry last year, the highest in any urban area in Northern Ireland
Vicious dogs have been responsible for a staggering 157 attacks in the Newry and Mourne area over the past year, the worst in an urban area in Northern Ireland. A major crack-down on irresponsible dog owners has already begun and as concern has grown over the frequency of dog-related attacks, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a 12-week consultation on new licensing and identification laws. The tighter regulations, which come into effect in April 2012, will introduce compulsory micro-chipping amongst other legislation.
Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order as amended, it is an offence for any dog to attack or cause injury to a person, any other animal owned by another person or livestock. Injuries include bruises, scrapes, cuts, puncture wounds, broken bones and severe cuts which require stitches. Under the legislation ‘attacking’ also includes a dog behaving in such a way that it causes a person to fear they will be attacked and injured. It is also an offence to command or encourage a dog to attack a person.
Free micro-chipping of dogs is available at participating Veterinary Surgeries within the district. Previously it cost £5 to licence your dog but from 2nd October 2011, the licence fees have changed. The fee is now £12.50 to licence your dog annually though reduced fees are now available and are listed below:
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Posted by Newry Times News
on Feb 12 2012. Filed under News.
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