Dog legislation 'to be reviewed'

Assembly members are to debate dog attacks

Northern Ireland's legislation on dangerous dogs is to be reviewed, Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has told the assembly.

Ms Gildernew was responding to an Alliance motion on the topic.

She also said there were issues concerning the enforcement of the existing laws.

The minister said she wanted to discuss the enforcement of the laws with both the police and the councils to see an end to dog attacks and dog fighting.

"I find the issues, as so graphically highlighted in the media, totally abhorrent and agree that steps should be taken to rid society of this scourge," she said.

"I intend to carry out a review of the legislation and end this evil act in a coherent and considered manner."

The assembly has been debating "dog on dog" violence.

The motion, aimed at strengthening dangerous dog legislation in Northern Ireland, was proposed by Alliance MLA Naomi Long.

She said while dog attacks on livestock were treated as criminal offences, attacks on other pets were not.

'Caring owners'

Ms Long, Alliance deputy leader, said that the "aggressive behaviour should still be of serious concern".

"A number of serious dog on dog attacks have taken place in public areas where children, for example, could be put at risk," she said.

"We need to examine levels of control that dogs are kept under while in public places."

She said more attention should be given to the behaviour of dogs and their owners rather than banned breeds.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Tom Elliott said it was an important issue, but that any change to the law must not target responsible owners.

"People here love animals, and as such any increased legislation upon the control of dogs must be respected by the people or it will fail," he said.

"That is why it is vital that caring dog owners whose pets pose no threat must not suffer from legislation."