Council prosecutes dog owner over unlicensed animal
Tue, January 09, 2024
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a Coleraine dog owner for three offences under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.
The offences were allowing a dog to stray, breaching a dog licence control condition and a lack of identification on the dog.
At Coleraine Magistrates Court on Friday, 5 January 2024, Deputy District Judge Levers handed down a fine of £100 for each offence to the dog owner, Elizabeth Reid, of the Hawthorns, Coleraine. She was also ordered to pay costs totalling £258.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “This prosecution sends a strong message to members of the public that dog control offences will be investigated, and prosecutions taken where appropriate.
“While most dog owners are aware that it is a legal requirement to licence their dog, some may not know that it is also an offence not to have an identification tag on their dog. If your dog strays or becomes lost these tags are extremely effective in ensuring that you and your pet are reunited quickly.
“I would also urge dog owners to ensure your pet’s microchip details are kept up to date with your current address and telephone number so your dog can be returned to you if it is stolen or goes missing. Microchip details can also assist with showing ownership of your dog in the event of any dispute.”
For more information on licensing your dog please go to https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/health-and-built-environment/licensing/dog-licensing or contact the Environmental Health Department on 028 27660 233.