IKC attend DARD public meeting on NI Dog Control Legislation

In the Ramada Hotel, Belfast yesterday evening the last of the Public meetings held by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) across Northern Ireland to explain the proposed changes to dog control legislation was held. The changes includes compulsory micro chipping of all dogs, an increase in the dog license fee and the introduction of control conditions for dogs licenses and the introduction of an offence of allowing or encourging a dog to attack another dog.

After the presention by Colette McMaster (DARD) the floor was opened to questions. It was interesting to listen views of the the various welfare groups, dog breeders and dog wardens and encouaging to hear the show dog fraterity being described as responsible breeders by the other groups. Questions were raised and the panel assured everyone that all consultation responses received would be considered.

Susan Kealy, IKC Chairperson, and Nicky Hammond attended the meeting. They are pictured here with Dr Mark Brown and Colette McMaster of DARD

The consultation period regarding these proposals begain on the 23rd November 2009 and all responses should be received by 1st February 2010.

Click here to view the dog control consulation paper

Click here to download your consulation response form and have you say.