Dog with prior attack history strikes again injuring child as Toome owner prosecuted

Ballymena Magistrates’ Court

A dog owner has been prosecuted after a serious incident in which a dog strayed and attacked a child, prompting enforcement action and a court ruling in Ballymena.

Owner prosecuted after child attacked by dog

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council brought the case under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (as amended) following an investigation into the attack.

Council enforcement officers identified Ms Geraldine Millen, from the Toome area, as the owner of a Central Asian Shepherd-type dog involved in the incident.

The court heard that the dog had strayed before attacking the child, raising serious concerns around control and public safety.

Previous attack and licence breaches revealed

During proceedings, it emerged that the same dog had previously attacked another person in 2025.

As a result of that earlier incident, strict control conditions had been placed on the dog’s licence. These required the animal to be securely confined within a building, yard, or other enclosure, and to be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public.

Ms Millen was charged not only in relation to the latest attack but also with failing to comply with these existing control conditions.

The breaches highlighted a failure to adhere to measures specifically designed to prevent further harm.

Court outcome and penalties imposed

Ms Millen pleaded guilty to all charges when the case was heard at Antrim Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Ballymena, on 25 March 2026.

She was fined a total of £175 by the court.

In addition, she was ordered to pay £150 in costs, £150 in compensation, and a £15 offender levy.

The presiding judge also issued a contingent destruction order in respect of the dog, meaning the animal could be destroyed if further conditions are breached.

Council stresses enforcement and public safety

A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said enforcement of dog control legislation remains a priority, particularly in cases involving risk to the public.

“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 spokesperson said.

The case underscores the legal responsibilities placed on dog owners and the potential consequences when control measures are ignored, particularly where previous incidents have already triggered restrictions.

For residents, the outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible dog ownership and the serious risks posed when animals are not properly managed in public or private settings.

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At a glance

• Dog owner prosecuted after child attacked by stray dog

• Incident involved a Central Asian Shepherd-type dog

• Dog had previously attacked another person in 2025

• Strict control conditions had already been imposed on the animal

• Owner failed to comply with licence restrictions

• Guilty plea entered at Antrim Magistrates’ Court in Ballymena

• £175 fine issued plus £150 costs, £150 compensation, £15 levy

• Contingent destruction order placed on the dog

• Council says dog attacks are “thoroughly investigated”