ABC Council are urging all dog owners to ensure their pets are kept securely after a local resident was fined in court for a fatal dog attack on a cat.
Martin Olali, from Whitethorn Lane in Kinallen pleaded guilty on Monday 3 March in Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, to a charge of being the keeper of a Thai Ridgeback dog which killed a neighbour’s cat.
On June 4, 2024 the dog warden from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council was alerted to an attack on a cat at Whitethorn Lane. An investigation commenced immediately, and the offending dog located. As a result of this attack, the dog owner must now comply with control conditions imposed on the dog’s licence, requiring that the dog, when not under control, must be kept securely confined in a building, yard or other enclosure and securely fitted with muzzle and leashed when in public place.
Mr Olali pleaded guilty to a dog control offence under Article 28 of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended), and was fined £250 and ordered to pay summons fee of £103; legal costs of £100; and a further Offenders Levy of £15.
Welcoming the conviction, a spokesperson for ABC Council said: “Straying dogs can pose a very serious risk to other pets, wildlife and also to people. We have seen first-hand the distress which these attacks can cause and we are calling on all dog owners to ensure that their premises are secure.
“We take all reports of dog attacks seriously and where appropriate, our officers will take enforcement action, which could result in restrictions, prosecution and costly court fines.”
For further information on dog control, please visit the ABC Council website – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/dog-control/
