31/10/2024

Sentences Imposed For Separate Belfast Dog Attacks

Two individuals were sentenced at Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday for separate dog attacks which injured either a person or animal.

Mark McLaughlin of Prospect Park, Belfast, was convicted following an incident on March 29, 2024 in which his Collie-Husky cross attacked and injured a 3 year-old boy on the face and forehead at Prospect Park.

Mr McLaughlin pleaded guilty to the offence and received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation, in addition to £139 in legal and court costs.
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In the second case, Eileen Irvine of Westrock Grove, Belfast, was convicted following an incident on March 24, 2024 in which her Bulldog and Lurcher-type dog attacked and injured a Jack Russell-type dog in O'Neills Lane, Belfast.

Ms Irvine pleaded guilty and received a £250 fine for the attack and an additional £90 fine for failing to have a licence for her dogs. She was ordered to pay £500 in compensation, along with £89 costs.

Belfast City Council brought both prosecutions in the interest of public safety and in adherence to The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order.

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