15/02/2024

Appeal Issued For Witnesses After Scrambler Hits Pet Dog In L'Derry

L'Derry PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a dog was hit by a person riding a scrambler motorcycle in Creggan Country Park on Tuesday, 13 February.

The incident occurred at around 3pm when a man was walking along the pathway with his pet Poodle, towards Forest Park.

It's reported a blue-coloured scrambler was being driven at speed when it struck the dog. The driver, reported to be carrying a passenger, drove on before stopping at the end of the pathway and then making off towards Forest Park.

Members of the public came to the aid of the man and his pet, which is receiving treatment for its injuries.

Foyleside and Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team Constable White said: "This was a terrifying incident, and the owner is incredibly upset at what happened. The dog, called Maud, is a much loved family pet, which has been badly injured and requires extensive treatment, including surgery, for serious injuries.

"We're keen to hear from the members of the public who helped the man and dog yesterday. We're also asking anyone who may have been in the Park and captured footage of the scrambler and where it went after making off to get in touch with us."

The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference 1155 of 13/02/24 or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/report Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Safety Concerns

Constable White added: "When these machines are being driven at speed, creating a nuisance in built-up areas, close to people and homes, this is dangerous and reckless. Not only is there the impact on people's lives in the community, but there are also serious safety concerns.

"Some scramblers do not comply with Construction and Use Regulations and Vehicle Safety Standards and therefore are restricted to "off-road" use only. This does not mean that they can be driven anywhere off-road. These vehicles should only be driven on private land where the landowner has given permission and should not be driven on pavements, roads, public property or parks. Insurance and safety equipment must be complied with as well in order to drive these vehicles legally.

"To anyone thinking about buying these vehicles, in particular parents for their children, we urge them to first think about where it is going to be used and the legalities surrounding its' use."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 August 2009
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
05 March 2013
Belfast Hotel Room Prices Soar
Hotel prices in Belfast saw the greatest rise in room rates last year compared to other regions across Ireland. The average price of a room in the city is £78, that's an 18% increase in 2012 compared to 2011, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. Seamus MacCormaic, Senior Director Market Management at Hotels.
31 October 2024
Sentences Imposed For Separate Belfast Dog Attacks
Two individuals were sentenced at Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday for separate dog attacks which injured either a person or animal. Mark McLaughlin of Prospect Park, Belfast, was convicted following an incident on March 29, 2024 in which his Collie-Husky cross attacked and injured a 3 year-old boy on the face and forehead at Prospect Park.
12 March 2013
Belfast Council Moves Dog Fouling Campaign North
Belfast City Council is moving its dog fouling campaign to the north of the city, in a bid to crack down on dog litter. The 'Your dog, your job' campaign was launched in west Belfast last month. The Council says it resulted in a reduction of dog litter in the area by just over a quarter (26%).
17 June 2024
New XL Bully Dog Safeguards To Be Introduced In NI
The Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that new legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully type dogs will come into force on 05 July, 2024.