Almost 200 dog attacks in a single year have been recorded across the ABC borough, shocking new figures have revealed — exposing the scale of a growing problem that councillors say is being driven by irresponsible dog ownership and leaving enforcement teams stretched on the ground.
An Environmental Health Report circulated at Tuesday’s ABC Environmental Services Committee meeting has revealed that 200 dog attacks were reported in just one year (April 2024 to March 2025) to the local authority.
The figures quoted in the report are certainly disturbing, and ABC dog wardens were praised for being so proactive in responding to complaints in relation to dogs.
The report states: “Environmental Health staff, including dog wardens and environmental wardens, respond to all reports of dogs and dog fouling within play parks and recreational areas.
“During the period April 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025, approximately 200 dog control patrols were carried out in response to stray dogs, dog fouling, dog attacks etc.
“Unfortunately, despite efforts to promote responsible dog ownership, there remains a consistently high number of reports of stray dogs.
“Dog wardens responded to 869 reports during the period April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, resulting in 456 dogs impounded and 175 fixed penalty notices issued, the highest number issued in Northern Ireland.
“There is a similarly high rate of dog attacks reported in this borough, with approximately 200 dog attacks during April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, requiring investigation by dog control staff.
“Outcomes of dog attacks range from warnings, cautions, use of formal ‘control conditions’, and, where most appropriate, in legal proceedings in the court.”
Councillor Kate Evans (UUP) was anxious to pay tribute to the dog wardens whose work is often challenging.
She stated at the meeting: “In regards to our dog wardens, I’ve been to Armagh and I’ve seen it, they’re doing a fantastic job for such a small team that they are, but some responsibility needs to be taken by the owners.
“We have such irresponsible dog owners in this borough, it is unbelievable. My own dog has been attacked twice at the legs, and at Christmas time I’ve seen a dog jump the fence at Edenvilla, because that playpark fence is not tall at all, and I’ve seen a dog jump straight into it.
“I really do feel for our dog wardens whenever they have to go to these dog owners and enforce, because [these dog owners] are so ignorant. The mouthful I have taken off of dog owners in this borough is ridiculous, and I really do feel for our staff that have to put up with it.”
Director of Regulatory Services, Facilities & Assets, Elizabeth Reaney concurred with the Craigavon DEA councillor, stating: “We have a fantastic dog control team, and if you ever have the time and liberty to go and look at the DAERA website which publishes all the statistics, our council is top-performing in the number of licences and the amount of work that we do, so I want to pay tribute to the dog wardens that we have.
“They work so hard and diligently in what is a difficult job.”
