Man Convicted After Dog Attack on Another Dog at Belfast Zoo

A Newtownabbey man has been fined after his off-lead dog attacked another dog at Belfast Zoo. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard the incident left a labradoodle injured. The owner received a £200 fine along with court costs and compensation.

Dog Attack at Belfast Zoo Leads to Court Conviction

A Newtownabbey man has been convicted after his dog attacked another dog in the car park of Belfast Zoo.

The case was heard at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 3 March 2026.

Paul Quinn, of Collinbridge Road in Newtownabbey, was prosecuted by Belfast City Council following an incident involving a dog attack.

Authorities said the incident occurred on Thursday 20 March 2025 when a collie-type dog, which was being walked off lead, attacked a labradoodle in the zoo’s car park.

Injuries Sustained by the Labradoodle

During the attack, the labradoodle suffered injuries to:

• Its shoulder
• Its stomach

The injured dog required treatment following the incident.

Dog attacks involving uncontrolled animals can result in legal action, particularly when pets are injured due to dogs being off lead in public areas.

Court Sentence and Penalties

At Belfast Magistrates’ Court, Quinn received the following penalties:

• £200 fine for the dog attack offence
• £130 in legal and court costs
• £100 compensation to the victim’s dog owner

In total, the case resulted in £430 in financial penalties.

Reminder About Responsible Dog Ownership

The case highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership, particularly in busy public places such as car parks, parks, and tourist attractions.

Local councils across Northern Ireland regularly remind dog owners to:

• Keep dogs under control in public spaces
• Use a lead where appropriate
• Prevent aggressive behaviour towards people or other animals

Failure to control a dog can lead to fines, compensation orders, and court action.