Dog owners and anyone considering giving a home to a new dog are being warned that they will face strict financial penalties if they fail to obtain the appropriate licence for their pet.
Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Dog Control Service today warned that over the coming weeks it would be clamping down on anyone who did not hold a current licence for their pet.
Dog wardens will be taking to the streets to carry out licence checks on pet owners, who will face a fixed penalty fine of £75 or face court proceedings if found in breach of legislation.
Council’s Head of Health and Community Wellbeing, Seamus Donaghy, stressed the importance of checking if your licence is up to date.
“A dog licence will cost an owner £12.50 or a reduced fee of £5 in certain circumstances, however, dog owners without a licence may receive a £75 fixed penalty, and for repeat offences or non- payment of a fixed penalty they could face a substantial fine of up to £1000 plus legal and court costs.
“Council Dog Wardens will be carrying out patrols across the Council area over the coming weeks to carry out licence checks and if you are found in ownership of a dog without a licence you may well receive a £75 fixed penalty. The onus is on all dog owners or anyone thinking of purchasing a dog to make sure they have a valid dog licence to avoid these penalties.”
Owners are reminded that before purchasing your dog licence, the dog must first be micro-chipped.
Owners must ensure the name, address and telephone number of the dog’s owner are registered with the microchip company along with details of the dog.
Once micro-chipped, a licence can be purchased for £12.50 per dog, with a reduced fee of £5 for owners who are currently on income related benefits or those who own a dog which has been sterilised. Owners over the age of 65 will be entitled to a free licence for their first dog and a fee of £5 for each dog thereafter.
If you already have a dog, reminders will be issued before a licence is due to expire.
Owners are also reminded that if they sell or pass their pet on to a new home, they are required by legislation to notify the Council and the new owner must also obtain a licence for the dog before taking ownership.
Dog licences can be purchased at the Council Offices at 47 Derry Road, Strabane or at 98 Strand Road, Derry, (by cash, cheque, postal order, or credit/debit card) and also online at www.derrystrabane.com
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