Alliance Deputy Leader again demands tougher dogs laws after another attack

9.59.52am GMT Fri 16th Feb 2007

Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long

Following reports of a harrowing dog on dog attack on Monday where a terrier was killed by rotweiller, Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has again demanded that dangerous dogs law be strengthened urgently. Two years ago she called for the laws to be tightened but no action has yet been taken. This latest attack was revealed during today's Nolan Show.

The East Belfast Representative said: "How many dog attacks have to take place before the Government takes action? These type of attack take place on an all to regular basis and the laws must be strengthened urgently.

"Two years ago I demanded urgent changes to strengthen dangerous dogs laws and still nothing.

"The current laws concentrate on particular banned breeds, but the real threat is from aggressive dogs that are not kept under control by their owners.

"Another disgraceful loophole in this legislation is that there is no sanction for dogs that attack other dogs; however, an animal which attacks other animals could clearly also pose a threat to other people. At the moment livestock is protect but for some reason other dogs are not.

"These loopholes in this law must be closed immediately to ensure that we can effectively crack down on dangerous dogs and their owners to prevent these attacks."

ENDS