A Banbridge man has been convicted in court for being the keeper of a Bully dog which mauled and seriously injured a man two years ago.
On Thursday 17 October, Gabriel McCauley of Ballygowan Park was convicted of a dog control offence under Article 29 of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended) for being the keeper of a Bully dog which attacked another person.
In response to the attack, which occurred on October 3, 2022 at Havelock Park, the Dog Warden team from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council attended the scene alongside police officers. The dog was brought under control before being humanely destroyed.
At Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry on Thursday – Mr McCauley was found guilty of the offence and was fined £500, with a £15 offenders levy and the Council awarded costs of £300.
A Council spokesperson welcomed the conviction for the attack, and said it was important that all owners of XL Bully dogs comply with the new laws for keeping these dogs.
“This was an extremely serious attack which has left the victim with life-changing injuries, so it is welcome that the owner is brought before court and convicted,” they said.
“We want to emphasise that the Council operates a rigorous enforcement policy on dog control, and we also want to ensure that everyone is aware of the new rules around owning these XL Bully dogs.
“Owners need to keep their dog muzzled and on a lead when in public places. The dog must be kept in secure conditions that will stop it from escaping.
“Furthermore, owners are not allowed to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully type dog.”
Across Northern Ireland, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without an Exemption Certificate from January 1, 2025. The application process for XL Bully dog exemptions is now open and will close on December 31, 2024.
To apply for an exemption certificate please visit – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/dog-control/#xlbullyguidance
For more information on the new XL Bully dog legislation – please visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/xl-bully-dogs
