06 February 2007

15-dogs handed over in Ballymena dangerous dog amnesty

Fifteen pit-bull type dogs have been put down during the dangerous dogs amnesty imposed by Ballymena Borough Council.

Owner of dangerous breeds in the Ballymena area, were given one month to hand over the animals without fear of prosecution, and at a meeting of the council yesterday evening, it was revealed that over 60 dogs had been examined and only 15 of them had been confirmed as illegal. The illegal dogs were subsequently destroyed.

Earlier today it emerged that almost 50 pit-bull terriers had been handed over to Belfast City Council since May last year and will also be humanely put down.

The dangerous dog amnesty in Ballymena was prompted after a County Antrim family were attacked by a pit-bull type animal, while walking their dog in Randalstown Forest Park in November 2006. Their pet Labrador named Troy was killed during the attack while trying to protect his owners.

As a result of the success of Ballymena's amnesty, Omagh District Council is to hold their own, while Newry and Mourne District Council and Derry City Council are also likely to follow suit.

(EF)