Dog Control
The Environmental Health Department deals with a range of dog control legislation which is designed to promote responsible dog ownership and to help protect the public, livestock and other animals from attacks by dogs. The main legislation is
The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (as amended)
We introduced The Fouling of Land by Dogs (Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council) Order 2015 Dog Control Order under the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 and the Dog Control Orders (Prescribed Offences and Penalties etc) Regulations (NI) 2012. The order came into effect on 9th November 2015.
The Dogs Exclusion (Number 1)(Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council) Order 2017 under the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 and the Dog Control Orders (Prescribed Offences and Penalties etc) Regulations (NI) 2012 came into effect on 1 June 2017.
Complaints
We will investigate complaints about stray dogs; attacks on people, livestock and other animals such as dogs and cats and dog fouling. Where sufficient evidence exists we will take formal enforcement action against an offender, for example, written warning, issue a notice requiring the dog to be controlled in a certain way, fixed penalty notice, caution or prosecution in Court.
Out Of Hours Service
The Council offer an Out of Hours Service for ongoing dog attacks on persons or animals. Between the hours of 5pm and 9am any member of the public can report an ongoing attack anywhere in the Borough by telephoning 0300 0300 900.
Reports of strays dogs after 5pm, will not be dealt with until the next working day.
Barking Dogs
If you are concerned about your dog barking and causing disturbance, speak with your vet and/or a dog behaviourist.