Dog owners warned of changes

Derry City Council have released information and services aimed at raising awareness and providing support to dog owners following the publication of changes to the Dogs (NI) Order 1983.

The Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 amends the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 which is the primary statute relating to licensing and dog control generally.

The Act comes into effect this month and brings changes to current dog licensing arrangements which affect fees, conditions of license and the roles and responsibilities of district councils who are responsible for enforcing the Dogs Order.

District councils have established dog warden services to carry out enforcement duties including dog licensing, the seizure and re-homing or disposal of stray dogs, and the investigation and possible prosecution of offences under the Dogs Order.

Income from the dog license meets a small proportion of the cost of dog warden services. Changes to the Act mean that councils will be able to set levels of fixed penalties for dog related offences such as straying and not having a license and will be able to retain the receipts from fixed penalties solely for its functions under the Dogs Order.

Enda Cummins Senior Environmental Health Officer with Derry City Council explains some of the changes to fees and help on offer;

“There has been an increase in license fee from £5 to £12.50 for most dog owners, in line with inflation from 1983. To reduce the impact of this rise, a dog license for those aged 65 and over is free for the first dog and pegged at the current fee of £5 for each additional dog.

“There are special concessionary rates of £5, for those on “income-related benefits” or for owners who have their dog neutered. The qualifying benefits within the new Dogs (Amendment) Act are income support and housing benefit and Councils can only act within the limits of the legislation. The rate for a block licence is also up from £12.50 to £32,” said Mr Cummins.

There are also changes to the conditions of obtaining a license. Dog owners are advised to microchip their animals as soon as possible prior to the introduction of compulsory micro chipping in April 2012. Owners may currently take advantage of free chipping provided through Councils, the Dogs Trust and participating veterinary practices.

The new Act will see the introduction a new offence of dog attacks on domestic animals and will provide for the designation of specified control conditions on licenses where there are breaches of the Dogs Order. Changes will allow the courts to make a “contingent destruction order” which exempts a dog from destruction but only where certain specified conditions are met.

For full details of the changes a copy of the legislation is available at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/9/contents or visit Derry City Council’s website at http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/

For information on how to avail of free micro chipping please contact the Council Dog Wardens on 028 71365151 or 028 71261414.