A WOMAN who was attacked by a dog near her home outside Tempo last Summer is concerned that not enough is being done to combat the issue after more dog attacks were recently reported in the area.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained to The Impartial Reporter that the recent attacks were by dogs owned by the same people who owned the dog that had attacked her.

Following her attack in August, 2020, the woman said she had been left "traumatised" and had required hospital treatment for bites to her knee and ankle.

She told this newspaper that, just before Christmas, a neighbour of hers was attacked by the same dog that had attacked her.

"The owner was out walking with the Staffy that bit me, and they met a neighbour of mine on the road.

"Of course, the Staffy wasn't on the lead as usual, and the Staffy attacked him [her neighbour] and took a lump out of him.

"He had to go to the hospital to get stitches," she said, adding: "Another dog owned by those people attacked my daughter’s pet when she was out with it.

"They [the dog owners] are Housing Executive tenants and I have written to the Housing Executive, but the letter I got back was a load of white-wash. They have responsibility, but they are not taking responsibility for their tenants behaving badly," said the woman.

A spokeswoman for the Housing Executive told The Impartial Reporter: “We are fully aware of this matter and we have worked closely with the PSNI and Dog Warden Services at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to resolve the issue.

“Those involved have been appropriately advised about obligations under our Tenancy Agreement, in particular, with respect to keeping domestic pets.

“We’re satisfied progress has been made. We continue to monitor the situation and are in regular contact with our tenant.

“Anti-social behaviour can be reported to us by calling 03448 920 900, or online at nihe.gov.uk. Serious anti-social behaviour should be reported to the PSNI on the non-emergency number, 101.”

DUP Councillor for Erne North, Deborah Erskine, is also aware of the ongoing issue regarding dog attacks in the Tempo area.

She said: “I have heard of very frightening incidents of dog attacks in the Erne North and Fermanagh area. Those attacks have had untold impacts upon the victims, both physically and mentally. Many have cited the fear that they now experience."

Councillor Erskine said that the issue has also been raised at the Council: "I called for a review of the fines handed out in incidents of attacks and, indeed, to lobby the Government to review the Dangerous Dog legislation.

"People can not be allowed to feel afraid within their own communities as a result of a dog attack.

"Our Council dog wardens do a fantastic job, but the legislation is in some cases not robust enough to deal with the problems that arise," she said.

Councillor Erskine says that she is writing to the Justice Minister in relation to the legislation, highlighting the concerns constituents have also raised with her.

"I want to urge dog owners to be responsible. As someone who grew up with dogs, you can never be sure how your dog will react in situations, and it’s important to follow simple steps, such as walking your dog on a lead. This can help victims of dog attacks immensely," Councillor Erskine told this newspaper.