New legislation for dog owners

NEW legislation means that there are going to be changes for local dog owners on a number of issues.

The changes will commence on October 3 and include increased licence fees across Northern Ireland and additional offences, for example, making it an offence for your dog to attack another domestic animal.

Ballymena Borough Council is responsible for enforcing the law on the control of dogs within the Borough.

From October the licence fee for a dog will be £12.50.

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However there are some concessionary fees available for dog owners on certain benefits, neutered dogs and for owners over 65 years of age. A block licence fee will now be £32 with no reduced rate.

Should your dog licence be expired and you apply for a licence on or after 3rd October 2011 the new rates will apply. Therefore take advantage and obtain or renew your licence before the increased rate takes effect on 3rd October 2011.

These changes are being introduced as part of a review of dog control legislation in Northern Ireland and designed to promote responsible dog ownership. It also reflects the high costs of providing a dog control service. All dog owners are urged to be responsible for their dogs and to ensure compliance under the new legislation to minimise prosecutions and fixed penalties issued.

Should you require any further information on the changes in the legislation please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Environmental Health Department on 028 25660373

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