Belfast Woman Fined After Dog Attack in City Street Incident

A Belfast woman has been fined after her dog attacked and injured another dog in a residential area of the city.

At Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday 27 January 2026, Patricia McGahey of Albert Street, Belfast, was sentenced in relation to an incident that took place on 28 May 2025.

Dog Attack on Albert Street

The case was brought by Belfast City Council following reports that Ms McGahey’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog attacked another dog on Albert Street, causing injuries.

Failure to Comply With Control Conditions

In addition to the attack, the court heard that Ms McGahey failed to comply with existing control conditions on the same date. These conditions required the dog:

• To be kept under control in a public place
• To be securely confined to a building, yard, or other enclosure when not under control

A guilty plea was entered in relation to this additional offence.

Court Outcome and Fines

Ms McGahey was convicted of both offences and received the following penalties:

• £200 fine for the dog attack offence
• £200 fine for failing to comply with control conditions
• £15 offender levy
• £136 in legal and court costs

The total amount payable comes to £551.

Dog Control and Public Safety in Belfast

Belfast City Council has repeatedly highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership, particularly in built-up residential areas. Keeping dogs under proper control is a legal requirement designed to protect both the public and other animals.