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As a dog owner, you need to know about dog laws and your responsibilities to protect yourself and others around you.
If you do not license your dog you may receive a £80 fixed penalty notice.
It is the responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their dog.
You should always pick up your dog waste and put it in the nearest litter bin. You can use any plastic bag and any litter bin, including your black bin at home. Don't put dog waste in your blue or brown bins as this can contaminate them.
If you do not pick up after your dog, you may receive a £80 fixed penalty notice. If paid within 10 days, the fine will be reduced to £50.
If you don’t pay this fine, we can take you to court where the fine could increase to up to £1,000.
Tips
All dogs must be fitted with a microchip before licensing. Microchipping helps to identify dogs if they go missing.
Where can I get my dog microchipped?
Most vets offer a microchipping service. Animal welfare groups such as the Dogs Trust, can also fit dogs with chips.
How much does it cost?
Microchipping costs between £20 and £30.
Groups like the Dogs Trust sometimes offer free or reduced prices.
You must always be in control of your dog and not let it stray. If your dog is straying, you may receive a £80 fixed penalty notice. This covers the Belfast City Council area, including all parks and open spaces. Dogs must be kept on a lead when out in public.
You can help reduce the number of stray dogs on our streets by:
When in public, you can not have more than four dogs under your control at any one time. If anyone is caught in control of more than four dogs at one time, they may receive a £80 fixed penalty notice.
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.
It's important to care for your dog when taking them out by car during the warmer months. In as little as 15 minutes a dog could suffer heatstroke and die due to hot conditions in a car.
If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him or her to a shaded, cool area and call your vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.
Tips to keep your dog cool
If an animal dies in your house, you must make your own arrangements to dispose of it.
There are specific requirements for greyhounds, whippet and lurcher type dogs.
Greyhound within the meaning of the legislation includes any greyhound or whippet and any breed, strain, or cross thereof. A lurcher is a cross-breed of a greyhound or whippet and therefore is covered by this legislation. Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in a £80 fixed penalty notice
The Green Dog Walkers scheme is a UK wide community-based campaign to change attitudes about dog fouling. We are using the scheme as an innovative approach to dog fouling, which is one of the most controversial issues we deal with.
By taking the pledge and using the Green Dog Walkers lead, you will commit to:
In return, you'll receive a Green Dog Walkers lead and a small supply of dog bags.
How to become a Green Dog Walker
To become a Green Dog Walker, read the pledge:
Green Dog Walkers pledge
I hereby volunteer to accept a Green Dog Walkers lead and pledge to take part in the campaign as follows:
Now you can complete our online form
When we receive your submission, we will send you a Green Dog Walkers lead for your pet or these can be collected from this address:
Dog Wardens
Ground Floor
Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP
Office opening hours
The office opening hours are:
Day | Opening hours |
---|---|
Monday to Thursday | 8.30am - 5pm |
Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm |
Public and bank holidays | View holiday arrangements |
Please be aware that whilst we welcome anyone to join the scheme and sign the pledge to cleanup after your dog, only residents within the Belfast City Council boundary will receive a Green Dog Walkers lead.
Contact us
For further information, email our Community Awareness team at greendogwalkers@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 028 9027 0230.
Owning a puppy or dog is a big commitment and before you buy one, here are a few things to consider:
The law says you must look after your animal by making sure it:
Find out more about the RSPCA’s puppy contract and a “puppy information pack”
Dog wardens, Ground Floor, Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BP