Walking dogs in our parks

Dogs in your control

If you have a dog, you must keep it on a lead in public places in Belfast. This includes when you visit our parks and opens spaces. In our parks, you must not have more than four dogs in your control at one time. Dog owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour and how it interacts with other people and other dogs.

Dog control law

The Dogs (Specified Maximum) (Belfast) Order 2012 was created under The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 and covers the Belfast City Council area, including all parks and open spaces. To read information on a dog owner's responsibility, go to Dog owners' responsibilities.

Reactive dogs

Your dog might be friendly, but you shouldn't let it approach other dogs on leads. If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon or bandana on the leash, this indicates that dog is a 'reactive dog'. It is not comfortable being close to other dogs. You should give a reactive dog space.

A reactive dog on a lead displays certain types of behaviour out of frustration, stress or when nervous and is often triggered by seeing another dog, person, inanimate object or a moving object. To read more information on reactive dogs, go to Yellow Dog Project (link opens in new window).

Dog fouling

You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. You must pick up your dog's waste and put it in the nearest litter bin. You can use a plastic bag and put it in a litter bin in any of our parks. If you don't pick up after your dog, you could get an £80 fixed penalty notice.

• Find out more or report dog fouling

Reporting dogs off lead or fouling in our parks

If you visit a park and see a dog off lead or fouling, you can report the problem to a park warden. To contact a park warden, email parksandleisure@belfastcity.gov.uk.