Northern Ireland dog owners are being warned they still need a licence for their pet or face a hefty fine.
Every dog must also have a microchip by law in order to apply for a licence and every dog, except Guide Dogs, must be registered with their local authority.
Without a chip and no licence, families may have no legal way to prove the dog is theirs if they get lost, fostered or even adopted.
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where dog licences exist. In England, Scotland and Wales, the system was abolished by the Local Government Act 1988. But in 2016 all dogs owners in England and Wales were told their pet had to have a microchip inserted and in Scotland followed with the same rules.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, today appealed to pet owners to take a responsible approach to looking after their pet.
He said: "When taking on the responsibility of a new pet it's good to start out on the right footing by applying for a licence right away," he stressed.
"All dogs in Northern Ireland must be microchipped at eight weeks old. It's the law, and it ensures your dog's identity is properly registered should your pet get lost or stolen, making it much easier to ensure a safe return.
"It's a responsible approach to pet ownership, and it encourages owners to get dogs microchipped, as this is a requirement to obtain a licence. Not to mention that it could save you money. It's an offence to own an unlicensed pet so you could end up with a fine."
A Dog licence costs £12.50 and reduced licence fees are available for some dog owners. Over 65s can licence one dog for free, with additional pets each costing £5. And anyone receiving income related benefits can also avail of the reduced fee.
Dogs being handed to a new family or owner must be microchipped and licensed beforehand and anyone who refuses to obtain a valid licence is liable for a maximum fine of £1,000.
Owners are also reminded that dogs must wear an identity disc with the owner's name, address and contact number. Dog Wardens are also checking for expired dog licences and where appropriate £80 Fixed Penalty Notices are being issued.
Application forms for a dog licence, or for the renewal of a dog licence, are available from council offices and online, so it's never been easier to licence your pet.
Click on your relevant council link to obtain a dog licence application form for your area
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/dogs/dog-licensing
- Ards and North Down Borough Council : ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/resident/pets-pests-and-pollution/dog-control/dog-licences
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council : armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/buy-a-dog-licence
- Belfast City Council : belfastcity.gov.uk/doglicences
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council : causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/health-and-built-environment/licensing/dog-licensing/dog-licensing
- Derry City and Strabane District Council : derrystrabane.com/Online-Services/Dog-Licences
- Fermanagh and Omagh: fermanaghomagh.com/services/do-it-online/dog-licensing
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council: lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/a-to-z/dog-licence
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council : midandeastantrim.gov.uk/resident/dogs-animal-welfare/dog-licensing
- Mid Ulster District Council : midulstercouncil.org/licenceonline
- Newry Mourne and Down District Council : newrymournedown.org/dog-licensing
If you live in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area you get source a dog licence from Environmental Health Department, Derry City and Strabane District Council, 98 Strand Road, BT48 7NN or Dog Control, Derry City and Strabane District Council, 47 Derry Road, Strabane, BT82 8DY. Or n application can be posted out on request. The completed form should be returned to the address above, with a cheque or postal order
