Changes to dog licences

As of 1st January 2015, the law in relation to dog tagging has changed. The changes, introduced under the Dogs (Licensing and Identification) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 means that Councils across Northern Ireland will no longer be required to issue coloured dog tags to identify licensed dogs.

Identification is now based solely on micro-chipping, as of 1st January 2015. Dog owners are reminded that they currently still need to have some form of identification with owner contact details displayed on a dog at all times.

To speak to a member of Coleraine Borough Council’s Dog Warden Team, please telephone 028 7034 7171 or email [email protected].

Catherine McNally, Senior Environmental Health Officer at Coleraine Borough Council commented, “It’s important that dog owners are aware that they are liable for a fixed penalty fine and could face prosecution if they allow a dog to stray, have no licence or identification on their dog.

“Coleraine Borough Council provides a free micro-chipping service for dog owners. Dog owners should also note they must have their dog micro-chipped before licensing and that a dog should have identification on it at all times. Tags for dogs can be purchased at any local pet store and should have the dog owners contact details clearly displayed.

“Micro-chip details must be updated if rehoming a dog or changing address and can be done by contacting the Pet Log Company https://www.petlog.org.uk/.”