Guidance When Applying For A Dog Licence
Does everyone who keeps a dog need a Licence?:
Mostly Yes. However if your dog falls into any of the following categories you do not need a licence:
- An assistance dog kept by a disabled person
- A Police Dog
- A Dog under 6 months old kept with its mother
- A dog kept in a licensed pet shop where it is on offer for sale
- A dog kept under a block licence, on the premises to where the block licence relates.
When should I get a Dog Licence?
You must buy a Dog Licence as soon as you take possession of a dog.
How much does a licence cost?
From 2nd October 2011:
- A Standard Dog Licence costs £12.50 (see below for exemptions)
- A Block Licence £32.00
Reduced Licence Fees are available to some owners:
Applicants Over 65
- No Fee for one dog - However you must still apply for a licence
- A reduced fee of £5 for any other dogs
Applicants in Receipt of Benefits
A reduced rate of £5 is available where applicants are in receipt of any of the following benefits at the date on which they apply for a licence:
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
Sterilised/Neuteured Dogs
A reduced rate of £5 is available where the dog concerned has been neuteured/sterilized.
Signed Declaration
Applicants who wish to apply for Redued Rate Licences MUST make a written declaration on the application form that they will qualify for this reduction.
Council may seek to confirm the accuracy of the declarations by seeking evidence of age, benefit eligibility, or status of the dog concerned.
ANY FALSE DECLARATION WILL RENDER THE APPLICANT LIABLE TO LEGAL ACTION UNDER THE DOGS (AMENDMENT) ACT (NI) 2011
Where can I get a Licence?
If you are resident within the Cookstown District Council area you can get your Licence at the offices of Cookstown District Council, Council Offices, Burn Road, Cookstown BT80 8DT
How do I apply for a Licence?
Click Application for Dog Licence to download your application form, or call the Licensing Department on 028 86762205 for an application form to be posted out. You can also call in person at the Council Offices. Payment can only be accepted by Cheque or Postal Order if you are posting your application. Cash will only be accepted when paying in person.
How do I pay the Licence Fee?
Payments can be made by Cheque/ Postal Order or in Cash if you apply in person to the offices.
What do I need to Apply?
You will need a description of the dog including the breed, colour, age, sex and name. If you are applying for a reduced fee licence, you should also bring proof of age, benefit, eligibility or sterilisation of the dog concerned.
How long does a Licence last?
A licence is valid for one year from the commencement date.
Who is entitled to a Block Licence?
Any person who keeps on the same premises 3 or more unsterilised bitches one of which is used for breeding; or 3 or more dogs (including bitches) registered with the Kennel Club, or other approved registering organisation or if a person keeps as part of a registered guard dog kennels 3 or more dogs which are used as guard dogs elsewhere.
Can a Licence be transferred?
Yes. If your dog dies and you hold a valid Licence you can apply to your District Council with the details of the replacement dog.
Do I get anything apart from a Licence?
Yes. You will get a coloured Tag to be fastened to the dog's collar except when working. The tag is not proof of licensing and an authorised officer may ask you to produce your Licence.
Can I get a refund of Licence Fee?
Yes - But only if within 30 days from the day of issue (a) you do not get a dog; or (b) you dispose of the dog; or (c) the dog dies. To apply for a refund you should contact the Licensing Officer. The Licence and Identification Tag must be returned when a refund is claimed.
Do I get a reminder when a licence is due to expire?
Yes, the month before your licence is due to expire a reminder will be posted out.
Must I be a minimum age to obtain a Dog Licence?
Yes - 16 Years old.
What happens once my dog is Licenced?
A licence will be valid for one year. By law you must:
- Ensure the Licence Identification Tag is attached to the dog collar. Failure to do so may result in the issue of an £80 Fixed Penalty.
- Ensure your dog wears a collar with the name of the address of the keeper inscribed on it or on a plate or badge attache to it. Failure to do so may result in the issue of an £80 Fixed Penalty.
- Retain the dog licence and it must be produced on demand to any authorised officer of the Council.
- Notify the Council of any changes to the licence details.
- Ensure that your dog is microchipped- From April 2012 your licence will not be valid unless your dog has been fitted with a microchip. Cookstown District Council in conjunction with Dogs Trust are issuing the local vets with free microchips subject to availability.
A list of the current Vets providing this service is listed below:
- Parklands Veterinary Clinic, 81 Molesworth Street, Cookstown BT80 8PA
- Craemill Veterinary Clinic, 6 Union Street, Cookstown BT80 8NN
- Torrent Veterinary Clinic, 18-19 The Diamond, Pomeroy BT70 2QU
- Quadruped Veterinary Clinic, 99 Killycolpy Road, Ardboe BT71 5AW
- Do not allow your dog to foul in public places. Allowing your dog to foul may result in a Fixed Penalty of £50 or a fine up to £500.
- Keep your licence up to date. Keeping a dog without a licence is an offence and may receive a £80 Fixed Penalty or a fine up to £1000.
- Keep your dog under control- It is an offence to permit your dog to stray. A dog is straying when it is off its owner's or keeper's premises, or off land on which it may be by the permission of the owner of the land. If your dog strays you may be issued a £80 Ficed Penalty or be fined up to £1000. If not under control your dog may:
- Attack a person resulting in a Maximum Penalty Fine of £5000 or 6 months imprisonment plus the possible humane destruction of the dog.
- Worry livestock resulting in a Maximum Penalty Fine of £1000
- Attack another domestic animal - Maximum Penalty Fine of £1000.
CONTROL CONDITIONS - In certain circumstances the Council may impose Control Conditions requiring the keeper of a dog to take measures to improve their control of that dog. Failure to observe any condition imposed is an offence and you may be issued a Fixed Penalty of £80 or face a fine of up to £2500.
Fixed Penalties Issued For Dog Offences (Jan 2010 - Dec 2010)
