Dog Licensing and Advice
What all dogs owners should know
Owning a dog brings great happiness but it is also a life long responsibility to the dog. You will need to care for it properly and responsibly including staying within the law. This section gives some essential tips to current and prospective dog owners alike.
Dogs and the law
Dog owners and non-dog owners have the right to live side by side. There are however, several rules which should be followed. Most are straightforward and many are concerned with safeguarding the environment for the benefit of everybody.
Licensing & microchipping your dog
Anyone who owns a dog or who is about to obtain a dog must have a valid licence. It is an offence to give or sell someone a dog unless that person can produce a valid licence for that animal.
From 9th April 2012, all dogs* must be fitted with a microchip. A licence issued in respect of an unmicrochipped dog will be invalid and therefore the keeper of the unmicrochipped dog will be guilty of the offence of keeping an unlicensed dog. Dogs Trust, 60 Teeshan Road, Ballymena (028 2565 2977) will be microchipping dogs free of charge at their premises in 2012. Owners may also get their dog microchipped at their local vet (a charge may apply). It is recommended that contact is made in advance with the relevant service provider.
* A dog will be exempt from being fitted with a microchip if the keeper of the dog produces to council a relevant certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon.
Are there any exceptions?
Generally speaking, yes. It is an offence for anyone to own an unlicensed dog, unless the dog falls into one of the following categories:-
(a) An assistance dog (e.g. a Guide dog) used by a disabled person;
(b) A police dog;
(c) A puppy under 6 months old and kept by the person who was also the keeper of the bitch that gave birth to the puppy; or
(d) A dog kept, and on offer for sale, in a licensed petshop.
How much does a Licence cost?
Basic Licence £12.50
Block Licence £32.00
Who is entitled to a Concessionary Dog Licence? What is the cost?
Over 65 and this is the first or only dog Free
Over 65 and claimed a free licence for £5.00
one dog
In receipt of an income related benefit £5.00
(i.e. Income Support or Housing Benefit)
Dog is sterilised (i.e. neutered or spayed) £5.00
Who can get a Block Licence?
Any person who keeps on the same premises:-
(a) 3 or more unsterilised bitches any of which is used for breeding;
(b) 3 or more dogs (including bitches) registered with the Kennel Club or other approved registering organisation;
(c) if a person keeps as part of a registered guard dog kennels 3 or more dogs which are used as guard dogs elsewhere.
Please click on link ‘Block Licence Microchip Log Sheet’ should you require additional recording forms.
Where may a licence be obtained?
Persons living within the Ballymoney Borough Council area may obtain a licence from the Borough Offices, Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney during normal office hours where the necessary application form is available for completion.
In what other ways does legislation affect dog owners?
Your dog must wear a collar, bearing the owner’s name and address and also the coloured licence identification tag which will be issued to you when you obtain a dog licence.
Your dog should not be permitted to stray, that is, be unaccompanied except on land where it is permitted to be . A STRAY dog may be detained and its owner or keeper may be prosecuted by the Borough Council.
There are also requirements in relation to:
Attacks by dogs on people, livestock or domestic animals;
Breeding Establishments; Guard Dog Kennels.
What happens to a dog which is detained?
The dog will be taken to the Borough Council’s Dog Pound, Knock Road, Ballymoney. An owner must claim the dog and pay the expenses incurred by the Borough Council within 7 days of the seizure of the animal, otherwise the dog may be rehomed. In extreme circumstances the Council may have no other option but to put the dog to sleep.
Penalties
Did you know the Council can issue fixed penalties when the rules are broken. The Courts too have a range of powers to deal with offenders. Penalties for breaking the rules can be tough and in extreme cases may allow for the destruction of the dog.
Dog Fouling
It is an offence to allow your dog to foul in a public place. This offence is punishable by a fixed penalty fine of £50. If your dog accidentally fouls, you must clean it up. The Council provides a comprehensive coverage of dog litter bins in towns and villages throughout the Borough.
Stray Dogs
You must keep your dog under control at all times. Make sure you know the telephone number for your local authority so that you can contact the Environmental Warden if your dog goes missing (028 2766 0257). The local authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you a recovery fee. You may also receive a fixed penalty of £80 for your dog straying (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days).
Going on Holiday
When you give your dog to the person who will be caring for it while you are away, make sure you also give them the number of your local authority in case it strays.
Countryside Code
The main countryside rule is – DOGS MUST NEVER WORRY LIVESTOCK. Even letting your dog walk in the same field as farm animals may be considered as “worrying”. Remember the farmer is entitled to kill your dog if it is worrying livestock.
Control of Greyhounds etc. Act (Northern Ireland) 1950
Greyhounds when exercised or led in a street or other public place must be kept under control and muzzled with not more than two dogs so exercised or led by any one person.
This section, whilst not intended to give an exhaustive summary of the legislation relating to dogs, is designed to give dog owners some basic information.
Deciding to get a dog
Before getting a dog, please consider the following.
Lifestyle
Do you have the time, suitable accommodation and willingness to care properly for a dog?
Environment
Are there suitable facilities near you to exercise your dog?
Budget
Dogs need a nutritionally balanced diet and will have to visit the vet for vaccinations and possible emergencies. Do you need additional insurance to cover vet bills or in case your pet causes an accident or damage to property? Can your budget cope with these costs?
Training
A well trained dog is a happy dog and it will not be a nuisance to others if it is under control. You must never allow your dog to be dangerously out of control. It must not injure anyone or frighten anyone into thinking that they might be injured. It is an offence to let your dog behave in such a manner.
When do I start?
Preferably while it’s still a puppy. It’s never too late to train but an older dog may need professional help from a dog training class.
How do I start?
The basic first lessons are:
- Walk beside you on and off lead “heel”. Please note not off the lead in public places.
- Stay when told “sit” or “sit and stay”.
- Come when called “come”.
- Toilet training “clean” or “busy”.
Corrections and Rewards
Dogs learn by linking actions and results if you praise your dog immediately after it does something well. It will learn to repeat it to get the same result.
Toilet Training
Dog owners should not allow their pets to foul indiscriminately in public areas. Toilet training at puppy stage is therefore vital. If, however, your dog should foul in a public place, be prepared to use a “poop-scoop” to clean up the mess.
- How to start: A puppy goes to the toilet very frequently so begin by putting it outside in a suitable spot as soon as it seems to want to go. Keep repeating this and praise it when it finishes its business in the right place.
- Regular times: Build up regular times to take it out in the morning, after a meal and at night.
- Going on command: Once your puppy can use the garden you need to train it to go on command there so it doesn’t foul in undesirable places. Use a common word such as “clean” or “busy” just as it is about to go to the toilet. Always use the same tone of voice and praise it when it has finished.
- Ideally your dog should be trained to “Go at home” but when out in public places, remember to take a “poop scoop” and clean up after your dog. Many local authorities make these available, local pet shops and stores also supply them. Your local authority also provides suitable bins in certain areas. Your Council is responsible for keeping public places clean, which means that any mess not cleaned by dog owners becomes a cost to the community.
Keeping your pet healthy
Register your dog with your local vet
Don’t wait for an emergency – Details will be in the Yellow Pages.
For additional information or advice on the following consult your vet or pharmacist.
Vaccinations and Worming
- Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases.
First vaccinations are given between eight weeks and twelve weeks. Puppies should not be allowed on the street or mix with other animals until your vet advises. - Always keep your dog’s vaccination certificate. You may need it in the future.
- Regular booster vaccinations are necessary, at least once a year.
Roundworms and tapeworms (intestinal parasites) can affect dogs at any age, so they should be treated regularly for worms. Worms can cause sickness and diarrhoea in young animals but adult dogs may show no signs. Worming is easy, effective and costs little. Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 6 months. Pregnant bitches and bitches with young puppies should be wormed more frequently. It is essential that puppies are wormed when they are about 2 weeks old and then treated at regular intervals until they are at least 6 months old. Always seek veterinary advice before worming your puppy.
Please remember that humans especially children are at risk from the human infection Toxocariasis which comes from the roundworm Toxocara. This infection can cause blindness.
Grooming
It is important to keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and bathing sporadically. Start at puppy stage so it becomes a pleasure not a chore.
Fleas
If your dog gets fleas treat it with a reliable spray, dusting powder or wash. Also clean the areas your dog uses and sleeps in.
Neutering
Unless you are sure you want your bitch to have puppies and you can find good homes for them you should have it spayed. Your vet will also be able to give you details on hormonal control of seasons. Ask your vet about whether your dog should be neutered.
1. Train your dog in elementary obedience so that it is under control at all times.
2. Train your dog to go to the toilet at home if it accidentally fouls in public, make sure you clean it up.
3. Always have a “Poop Scoop” or plastic bag ready when you’re walking your dog.
4. Make sure your dog is kept on a lead in public.
5. Take your dog to the vet regularly for vaccinations.
6. Ensure your dog receives a healthy, well balanced diet and plenty of exercise.
7. Don’t let your dog become a nuisance to your neighbours.
8. Make sure your dog is licensed, microchipped and has a collar and tag.
9. Worm your dog regularly and groom it frequently.
10. If you do not want your dog to have puppies make sure it is neutered.
For further advice or assistance please contact:
Environmental Warden
Ballymoney Borough Council
Riada House
14 Charles Street
BALLYMONEY
BT53 6DZ
Tel No: 028 2766 0257
environmentalservices@ballymoney.gov.uk
