Co Antrim dog owner banned for 20 years after French Bulldog left three women injured

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A dog owner has been banned from keeping dogs for 20 years after a series of attacks involving an unlicensed French Bulldog left three women injured — including victims who suffered severe facial injuries.

The case, which was brought before Laganside Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, followed three separate attacks between October 2024 and April 2025 that triggered a major investigation by enforcement officers from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Council officers ultimately seized the dog after securing a warrant, with the court later ordering the animal to be destroyed following the prosecution.

The attacks, which happened across a six-month period, resulted in significant injuries and prompted the council to pursue formal enforcement action under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.

Court imposes probation, community service and compensation orders

Mr Gareth Gault, of Newtownabbey, pleaded guilty to all charges connected to the attacks when he appeared before Laganside Magistrates’ Court on 5 May 2026.

The court heard he was the owner of an unlicensed French Bulldog responsible for attacking three women during separate incidents.

As part of sentencing, the court imposed a combination order consisting of:

• 18 months’ probation

• 80 hours of community service

Mr Gault was also fined £100 for keeping an unlicensed dog.

In addition, the court ordered him to pay:

• £1,000 compensation to each of the three victims

• £2,250 in legal costs

• £750 towards council kennelling costs

• A £15 offender levy for each offence

The judge also issued a destruction order for the dog and imposed a 20-year disqualification preventing Mr Gault from keeping a dog.

Victims suffered injuries during separate attacks

The council said the attacks took place between October 2024 and April 2025 and involved three separate women.

In some cases, the victims suffered severe facial injuries during the incidents.

Following investigations by council enforcement officers, the dog involved was seized after officers executed a warrant.

The prosecution was later brought under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, legislation designed to enforce responsible dog ownership and protect public safety.

Council says dog attacks will be ‘thoroughly investigated’

In a statement issued following the case, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said it would continue taking robust action where dangerous dog incidents occur.

A council spokesperson said:

“Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council places a high priority on enforcing dog control legislation.

“Reports of dog attacks are thoroughly investigated, and formal action, including prosecution, is taken where appropriate, as demonstrated in this case.”

The case is likely to serve as a stark warning to dog owners across Northern Ireland about the serious legal and financial consequences that can follow dangerous dog incidents — particularly where injuries are sustained and licensing laws are breached.