A woman has pleaded guilty at Craigavon Magistrates Court for being in charge of a dog which attacked and injured a child in Portadown in August last year Klaudia Szawkalo pleaded guilty to a charge under Article 29(2) of The Dogs (NI) Order 1983 as she was the person in charge of a large dog which attacked and injured an
eight-year-old boy at Drumcree Grove, Portadown.
The victim along with another child had been playing with two dogs in the house – both Corso Kane type breed – when one of the animals caused injury to the boy.
In the case brought by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, the Court heard that the child sustained injuries to his face and required medical treatment at Craigavon Area Hospital and was transferred to the Ulster Hospital where his face was stitched and he remained overnight.
The court was advised that the dog involved has since been put down and the second dog sent to its owner outside of Northern Ireland. .
No dogs are currently on the property and no disqualification order was sought.
The defendant was fined £300 and ordered to pay the Offender levy of £15, the court summons fee of £60 and a contribution of £100 towards the Council’s legal costs.
A spokesperson for ABC Council said: “This case should be a stark reminder to all dog owners of the potential harm and risk which dogs, even those known to a family, can pose to children. Thankfully dog attacks are rare, but when it comes to children, there is a need for extra precautions and vigilance to ensure that attacks like this cannot happen.”
