Council votes to abolish colour collar identity tags for dogs

The move comes after a survey discovered less than 5% of stray dogs lifted were found to be wearing the coloured tags.

This compares with up to 50% of stray dogs being microchipped.

The proposal was widely supported across Craigavon Council on Monday and the new system will come in next January. It follows the introduction of compulsory microchipping by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) from April 2012.

Plus as licence numbers are issued sequentially, this would present difficulties for the new Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Council.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Ronnie Harkness said it was ‘common sense’ while Sinn Fein’s Liam Mackle called for a review.

DUP Councillor Carla Lockhart said any saving should be used to fighting dog fouling.