Responsible dog owners in with chance of hamper as part of new scheme

The scheme, run in conjunction between Craigavon Borough Council, the PSNI and Friends of the Park, will start on Saturday, September 1 when members from all three organisations will be on the look out for any dog owner lifting, carrying or disposing of their dog waste responsibly.

Each considerate dog owner will be presented with a leaflet to enter a free draw for the chance to win the hamper. The completed leaflet can be returned to the Gate Lodge at Lurgan Park where a bi-monthly draw will take place with the first at the end of October.

“The majority of dog owners who regularly visit the park show a great deal of consideration to other park users by cleaning up after their dog. The purpose of the draw is not only to acknowledge those responsible dog owners but to act as an incentive to others to follow their example and be more responsible for their dogs when walking in the park” said Councillor Ronnie Harkness, chairperson of the leisure services committee.

Aside from the draw, dog owners are also being invited to come to Lurgan Park on September 22 and take part in the Dog Awareness Day.

The council would like to remind dog owners that it is now compulsory to have your dog microchipped before you obtain a new dog licence or block licence. If you have not already done so it is not too late to avail of the free service in conjunction with Jollyes Petfood Superstore and local vets. There are also advertisements on the council’s website and in the local press about microchipping events held by the council in partnership with Dog’s Trust.

Microchipping is an essential part of dog control and assists the Council Dog Wardens to swiftly and safely reunite stray or stolen dogs with their owners, reducing stress for both parties.

For further information on microchipping, please contact Craigavon council’s licensing department on 3831 2521.