A dog owner was successfully prosecuted at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 8 for allowing her dog to stray contrary to Article 22 (1) (a) of The Dogs (NI) Order 1983. A fixed penalty notice had been issued previously but remained unpaid.

Ms. Mary McDonagh, Hudson Heights, Irvinestown pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay £90 fine in respect of the offence, court summons costs of £26, legal costs of £50 and an offenders levy of £15.

Enforcement Officers from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Dog Control Team were on patrol on November 4, 2021 in the built up residential area of Hudson Heights, Enniskillen when they observed the Chihuahua type dog running stray. The Dog Control Team recognised the dog and when they attempted to seize it, the dog returned to the home of Ms. McDonagh who was the registered owner and keeper of the dog.

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 Ms. McDonagh by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council following an investigation by Council’s Enforcement Officers under the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended).