a child was attacked in south Belfast. The owner of a dog which was put down after it bit a child has disputed reports it was an illegal pit bull. The 11-year-old had part of his upper ear lobe bitten off at Upper Stanfield Street on Thursday.
He was attacked as he stroked his friend’s dog. He is being treated at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
However, he was upset at claims that the dog was an illegal pit bull type, when, in fact, it was a legal animal.

“It is a bull mastiff. It is not a dangerous dog. It is not a pit bull,” he said.

“I have had it for six years. I have reared it with all my kids. It is a family pet. I have walked my dog for six years. The police have even seen my dog,” Mr McCartan said.. Belfast City Council which is responsible for enforcement, said there have been no prosecutions for possession of a pit bull, because it is so difficult to prove that the dog has been bred specifically for fighting.