Council encourages dog owners to take the lead 

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. 

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 ask people to consider going to a local animal shelter such as the Dogs Trust, Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary, Ballinamallard and Grovehill Animal Trust, Omagh.   

Speaking about Dog Licensing, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: 

“I would like to remind dog owners of the absolute need to licence your dog.   

Licensing your dog crucially helps the Council’s Enforcement Officers to reunite stray or lost dogs with their owners. 

It also helps the Council to monitor the number of dogs living within the District as well as highlighting trends in popular breeds, identifying potential illegal breeders, and tracking down owners of dogs involved in attacks. 

Unfortunately, there are many dogs picked up by Dog wardens that are not licenced and microchipped, therefore, there are no details to enable them to be reunited with their owner.  As a result, the dogs are sent to rehoming centres. 

I had the opportunity recently to visit the Dog Pound in Enniskillen to see some of the dogs which will be transferred to one of the Animal Centres. 

I would strongly urge prospective dog owners to consider giving a home to a rescue dog from one of our partner rehoming centres, Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary in Ballinamallard or Grovehill Animal Trust in Omagh or from the Dogs Trust. You could find your perfect canine companion!”