306 stray dogs collected by Lisburn Council in six months

LISBURN Council is appealing to dog owners to know where their pet is at all times after revealing the Dog Warden Service has collected 306 strays in the past six months.

Sixty-two of the dogs collected were identifiable and returned to their owner by the Council. The remaining 244 were impounded at the Council's Dog Kennels to be collected by their owners.

Councillor James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council's Environmental Services Committee, said they were committed to reducing the number of stray dogs throughout the Lisburn area.

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"Over the last six months, the Council has issued 21 fixed penalties to owners of stray dogs" he said. "Six of these have been, or are in the process of being taken to court for non-payment. In those cases which have gone to court the owners were fined 150 and told to pay the Council's costs of 94.

"I would request all dog owners to act responsibly and know where their dog is at all times. If a dog is collected by the Dog Warden and impounded the Council can charge the owner up to 68 for kennelling fees before returning the dog."

Mr Tinsley said the Council will take action against any owner in the Lisburn area for allowing their dog to stray regardless of whether the stray is licensed or not.

"Most people consider a stray dog one without a home. This is not the case" he said. "Under the Dogs (NI) Order 1983, a stray dog is any dog that is not on its owner's property and not accompanied by a person. In light of this, it is key that all dogs are licensed as a stray dog wearing a valid licence identification disc is more likely to be reunited with its owner; preventing the dog being rehomed or unnecessarily destroyed."

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The Council has set out four rules for responsible dog ownership.

1. Have your dog licensed and microchipped to allow it to be identified if necessary.

2. Keep your dog on a lead at all times in public areas.

3. Maintain a safe distance between your dog and others when in public areas.

4. Clean up after your dog in public areas.

The Council would also like to assure everyone that it actively seeks to rehome any dogs that are not reclaimed or any unwanted dogs that are brought to the kennels by their owners. If you could give a dog a good home you are asked to contact the Dog Wardens on 9250 9395.

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