A dog owner from the Toome area faces ongoing restrictions after her Central Asian Shepherd-type dog attacked a child. The incident prompted prosecution by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on 25 March 2026.

Council enforcement officers identified Geraldine Millen as the owner. The dog had strayed before injuring the child. It had previously attacked another person in 2025.

Following the 2025 attack, authorities imposed strict licence conditions. These required the dog to stay confined in a building, yard or enclosure. The rules also mandated a lead and muzzle in public at all times.

Millen faced charges for the child attack and for failing to follow those conditions. She entered a guilty plea to all counts.

The court fined her £175. It also ordered £150 in costs, £150 compensation and a £15 offender levy.

Judges issued a contingent destruction order for the dog. This allows destruction if further conditions are breached.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council enforces dog control laws under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 as amended. The council investigates attack reports and prosecutes where warranted.