Frew gets clarity on licensing of assistance dogs

BALLYMENA Councillor and DUP MLA Paul Frew has welcomed what he describes as a “common sense approach” to the licensing of assistance dogs by both the local Council and DARD.
Ballymena Councillor and DUP MLA Paul Frew pictured at Stormont with members of the Charity, Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI) who had sought his help in trying to clear up some confusion around whether assistance dogs need to be licensed when being trained by the charity .Ballymena Councillor and DUP MLA Paul Frew pictured at Stormont with members of the Charity, Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI) who had sought his help in trying to clear up some confusion around whether assistance dogs need to be licensed when being trained by the charity .
Ballymena Councillor and DUP MLA Paul Frew pictured at Stormont with members of the Charity, Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI) who had sought his help in trying to clear up some confusion around whether assistance dogs need to be licensed when being trained by the charity .

Mr Frew had, on behalf of the charity, Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI), been trying to clear up some confusion around whether assistance dogs need to be licensed when being trained by the charity.

He said: “ADNI approached me some months ago with concerns around how they would be able to operate and provide fully trained assistance dogs who will become great and trusted companions for people.

“They had recently acquired their first five puppies and they would undergo an intensive training programme over the next 15 months after which they could join their new families as working companions. The pups will work to connect with children who have autism to keep them safe and calm and carry out practical tasks for people with physical disability.

“The problem they had was that the legislation that covers dog licensing if applied strictly would mean that puppies being trained by the charity as assistance dogs cannot avail of the exemption and would require to be licensed. I engaged with the local Council and with the DARD Minister to see what could be done,” said Mr Frew.

He pointed out: “The DARD Minister then stated recently that given the very small numbers of assistance dogs that are being trained here at the moment and the fact that Councils enforce the Dogs Order 1983 on behalf of the department they should use their own discretion on how they wish to enforce Article 5(b) of the Order.”

The DUP MLA said the Minister had pledged to task her officials to engage with other councils on this issue to ensure a consistent approach is taken and to ascertain if an amendment to the dog licensing requirements is necessary. The Minister is prepared to bring forward an amendment to exempt assistance dogs being trained from having a dogs license if that is the feeling of the Councils .

“This is welcome news for the Charity and they now can concentrate on the job at hand - training these pups,” he added.

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