Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA, is reminding dog owners of changes to dog licensing rules which become effective on 3 October 2011. 

Minister O’Neill said: “Provisions of the Dogs (Amendment) Act 2011 which deal with the control conditions for problem dogs, dog licence fees and fixed penalty notices will come into operation on 3 October 2011. 

"From that date, individual dog licence fees will increase from £5 to £12.50 while block licence fees will increase from £12.50 to £32.  There will be concessions for dog owners aged 65 or over and for those in receipt of certain benefits.  Owners who have had their dog neutered will also be able to avail of a reduced fee.”

In addition to changes in licensing fees, dog wardens will also have powers to impose certain control conditions on the licence of individual dogs in order to control problem behaviour where breaches of the Dogs Order have occurred.  The range of control conditions available include a requirement to keep the dog muzzled when in public, keeping the dog away from certain specified public places or keeping the dog securely confined. 

Lyall Plant, Chief Executive of CAI, commented, “Whilst we welcome changes in dog control legislation, Countryside Alliance Ireland will strive to ensure the councils’ priority remains animal welfare, and responsible dog owners and not unfairly penalised.” 

Compulsory microchipping in dogs is to be introduced in April 2012 and owners may currently take advantage of free chipping provided through local councils and participating veterinary practices. 

In recognising the work that local councils have undertaken to date, the Minister paid tribute by saying: “The collaborative approach between my Department and the councils has been very productive, resulting in guidance being produced for the public on the new dog control legislation.”