Dog Attacks in Northern Ireland ~ Public urged to back tougher reugulations

From the PRESS ASSOCIATION :

In a bid to avert the hundreds of attacks that take place each year, the public are being asked to back tougher controls on dogs in Northern Ireland.
More than 800 people were attacked by dogs in 2009, with 59 being admitted to hospital after suffering serious injury.
Michelle Gildernew, the agriculture minister, has confirmed that a series of public meetings will be held this month in an attempt to secure support for tougher regulations.
The Sinn Fein minister said the measures include a rise in the price of a dog licence from £5 to £12.50, although pensioners can escape charges and those on low incomes get a reduction.
"Many people here own and enjoy a dog as a pet in the family home and a companion on long walks. In the farming community too a working dog is a virtual essential in assisting in the daily routine of farming life," she said.
"And I have to say, in the main, owners do take responsibility for them and their behaviour. Despite this, there are real problems of dog control."
Last year more than 8,000 stray dogs were impounded and more than 3,500 dogs were destroyed.
Ms Gildernew added: "There is a real risk that a child or vulnerable adult could be killed in a dog attack.
"I am determined to do everything I can to prevent that happening and that is why I intend to make important changes to the dog control legislation.
"The changes I am proposing to dog control legislation here will support responsible dog ownership and make the dog licensing regime more robust and effective," she said.