A dog owner was successfully prosecuted at Omagh Magistrates Court on Monday, April 25, 2022 for allowing his two Akita dogs to attack another dog and livestock.

This was contrary to Article 28 (2) (a) of The Dogs (NI) Order 1983 and Article 28 (2) (b) of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983.

Mr. James Donnelly, Routingburn Road, Beragh, County Tyrone pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay £300 fine in respect of each of the four offences, court summons costs of £42, legal costs of £100 and a compensation Order of £921.44 to the owner in respect of his vets fees. Mr. Donnelly has a previous record whereby in March 2021 he was convicted for his dog attacking a person for which he was issued a financial penalty.

Enforcement Officers from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Dog Control Team investigated complaints of two Akita dogs belonging to Mr Donnelly attacking a Shih tzu dog that sustained significant injuries and was required to be treated by the owners vet for which he incurred the fees of £912.44.

The same two dogs then attacked six sheep belonging to a neighbour. The sheep also sustained significant injuries.

Commenting on the case, a spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council gives a high priority to the investigation of Offences under Dog Control Legislation. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include prosecution for offences as in this case.”

The case was brought against Mr. Donnelly by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council following an investigation by Council’s Enforcement Officers under the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended).