An essential part of being a responsible dog owner is ensuring that your pet is microchipped and licenced.

In Northern Ireland, The Dogs (NI) Order 1983 requires all dog owners to possess a valid dog licence and renew it on an annual basis.

It is an offence to keep a dog without having a valid dog licence, and a fixed penalty of £75 may result for failure to do so.

It is also a legal requirement to microchip your dog, and it must be microchipped before a dog licence can be obtained. A microchipping service is available from most local vets.

It is the responsibility of owners to ensure that their up-to-date contact details are registered on the appropriate microchip database. If the details are inaccurate, the dog is not considered microchipped under the Dogs (Licensing and Identification) Regulations (NI) 2012, and the licence is void.

You can purchase a dog licence online at www.fermanaghomagh.com under the ‘Do It Online’ section, in person at the Council’s Connect Centres in Enniskillen and Omagh, or by post.

When completing your licence application form, it is important to provide as much information as possible, including the dog’s name, sex, breed, colour and any distinguishing markings.

A standard dog licence costs £12.50, a concessionary licence is £5, and a block licence is £32.

A concessionary licence is available for the first or only dog of a person over 65 years of age, on any income-related benefits, or if the dog has been sterilised.

Proof of age, benefit entitlement, or confirmation from a vet that a dog has been sterilised will be required at the time of submitting your application.

The Council no longer issues tags with dog licences, therefore, all pet owners are asked to ensure that contact details are always attached to the dog’s collar on a plate or badge.

Responsibilities

Being a dog owner comes with additional responsibilities including daily exercise for the dog as well as ongoing financial commitments, which should be considered in advance of making a purchase.

The Council does not currently rehome unwanted dogs to the public; however, it transfers them to animal shelters.

If buying a dog, the Council asks people to consider going to a local animal shelter, such as Dogs Trust, Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary, Ballinamallard and Grovehill Animal Trust, Omagh.

If you would like any further information on responsible dog ownership, or if you wish to apply for or renew your dog licence, further information is available on the Council’s website at www.fermanaghomagh.com.

Alternatively, the Council’s Enforcement Officers are happy to provide information, help and advice and can be contacted at 0300 303 1777.

New subscription deal - Start your subscription in our end of winter sale. Enjoy your first month for just £1. Or try our best value deal of one year for £41.60. Click here to subscribe.