The dangerous dogs legislation is enforced in Northern Ireland by district councils, My officials have written to councils and will over the coming months be liaising with councils and other interested parties to ascertain their views on the current legislation. Following the outcome of these discussions I will consider if further amendments to the legislation are required.
District councils provide statistical information to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with respect to enforcement of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (as amended), including the number of prosecutions taken for offences under the legislation. However, prior to 2006 these returns did not specifically distinguish prosecutions regarding dangerous dogs from other prosecutions taken under the legislation. The information is included at table 1 as follows.
Minor offences(e.g. fouling, licensing) Serious offences (e.g. attacks by dogs) Dangerous dogs Annual total 2002 160 46 — 206 2003 265 64 — 329 20041 177 51 — 228 20051 139 35 — 174 20062 47 18 35 371 1 Prior to 2006 returns did not specifically distinguish prosecutions with respect to dangerous dogs. 2 Figures only available to the end of June 2006. 3 Figures include six cases pending.