Puppy is not just for Christmas its 15 years cleaning up muck

The city’s Senior Environmental Officer Enda Cummins said: “We know that the gift of a puppy will make a very special present for someone this Christmas however we would urge people to think long about the responsibility keeping an animal involves.

“The average life span of a dog is 15 years, so parents need to ensure that their children understand that owning a dog is a very long-term commitment.

“Children must be made aware that dogs demand a lot of time and are expensive to keep. Daily responsibilities include: exercising, feeding, grooming, training and cleaning up after your dog.

“Dogs also need company like humans and can get bored and lonely. Younger active dogs in particular need mental stimulation and constructive play.

Licensing is also considered to be an integral part of responsible dog ownership.

“All dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, must have a valid license,” said Mr Cummins. “Before you get a dog or a puppy you MUST get a license for it, it is a legal requirement.

“A puppy that stays with its mother must have a license by the age of six months. A dog’s license offers some proof of ownership and those dogs wearing a valid license identification disc can be easily reunited with their rightful owner.

“The identification number on the license disc enables the dog warden to check the Council’s licensing records, and trace and advise the owner of the dog’s whereabouts, and prevents the dog from being rehomed or unnecessarily destroyed.

“In 2011 the dog wardens issued 53 fixed penalty notices for licensing offences,” he said.

The standard dog licence fee is £12.50 and can be purchased from Derry City Council offices Environmental Health Department. A dog licence is free to anyone over 65 years of age (for one dog but is £5.00 for any additional dog).

Licence fees are also discounted to £5.00 if the dog owner is in receipt of an income-related benefit (income support or housing benefit), or if the dog is neutered or sterilized.

“Additionally, it should be noted that since April 2012 it is no longer possible to license a dog without including a valid microchip number for your dog.

“A microchip contains a unique identification number that is registered to the animal and the owner’s details are placed on a national data base. The microchip is simply injected under the dog’s skin between its shoulder blades.

“No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should not cause any more discomfort than a standard vaccination. The microchip, which is the size of a grain of rice, works through radio wave frequency and will last up to 20 years.

“This simple, safe modern identification method is permanent and can`t be removed, so even if your dog loses its collar or someone steals your dog we can still trace it by its microchip,” he said.

The Dogs Trust has been running a FREE microchipping campaign through vets, vet nurses, Jollies and the Dogs Trust roadshows/events for the last 7 months resulting in over 100,000 dogs being microchipped.

This offer will end on 31st December 2012 so we would urge owners to avail of this fantastic offer. The normal veterinary charge for microchipping ranges from £20.00 to £30.00.

“Licensing and micro-chipping would make a fantastic gift for your pet this Christmas as it helps our dog wardens reunite lost dogs with their owners,” Mr Cummins continued.

Mr Cummins also highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership.

“Barking dogs are the number one noise complaint that Council receives every year.

“We would ask that owners never let their dog become a nuisance to their neighbour, never let it stray and always clean up after it.

“Please note that a £75 fixed penalty fine can be issued for dog offences with maximum court fines ranging from £1000 to £2,500.

“For advice on responsible dog ownership and tips on how to train your dog not to nuisance bark please contact your Dog Wardens on 02871365151.”

For more information on responsible dog ownership visit http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/Council-Services/Environmental-Health/Public-Health-Protection-Team.