A man has been convicted of a dog attack in Belfast in which a three-year-old boy was injured.

Mark McLaughlin, of Prospect Park, was sentenced at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for an incident on March 29 this year.

His Collie-Husky cross dog attacked the young man, who suffered injuries to his face and forehead.

Belfast City Hall commenced proceedings in the interests of public safety and in compliance with The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order.

McLaughlin pleaded guilty to the offense and received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, as well as £139 legal and court costs.

Meanwhile, in a separate prosecution brought by the council under the same legislation, Eileen Irvine, of Westrock Grove in Belfast, was convicted following an incident on March 24.

His Bulldog and Lurcher type dog attacked and injured a Jack Russell type dog in the O’Neills Lane area of ​​the city.

Irvine pleaded guilty and was fined £250 for the attack and a further £90 fine for not having a license for his dogs. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation, plus £89 costs.

Meanwhile, police in north Belfast used a Taser on two dogs after a woman was bitten on the leg in the Upper Canning Street area of ​​Belfast on Monday afternoon.

Officers received a report of aggressive dogs in the area shortly before 5 p.m. and when they arrived, they found the two dogs fighting with each other.

Officers considered the dogs posed a danger to the public and used a Taser to “prevent further attacks”, a PSNI spokesperson said, adding that the Police Ombudsman has been informed and investigations are continuing on behalf of the Guardian. Belfast City Council Dog Council.

A council spokesman said its canine wardens attended the scene.

“We continue to investigate this incident and cannot comment further while our investigation is ongoing,” they added.