Department publishes dog statistics

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is to begin publishing canine statistics on its website.

The information includes details on a range of topics such as dog licences, stray dogs, dog attacks and dog warden enforcement actions.

It is compiled by local councils across Northern Ireland and forwarded to the Department under the terms of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order.

DAERA Chief Vet and head of Animal Health Group, Robert Huey said: “These statistics are often requested by stakeholders, the media and the wider public. By publishing this information on the DAERA website we are making it open and accessible to everyone.

“As a domestic rather than agricultural animal, dogs are primarily a matter for councils as opposed to the Department. However, we have a statutory responsibility to collate the statistics. These, in turn, provide an overview, giving figures on a variety of issues. This is an illustration of the work which goes on at a local level across Northern Ireland.”

Statistical information will be published on a quarterly basis, starting today (2 October, 2017) with the first quarter of 2017/18 for the period – 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017.

Notes to editors: 

1. Download the Council dog summary statistics.

2. The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 makes provision with respect to dogs in Northern Ireland by, in particular:

• Providing for the licensing of dogs by district councils;
• Providing for a block licence, in certain circumstances, where three or more dogs are kept on premises:       
• Providing for the registration by district councils of guard dog kennels and breeding establishments;  
• Restating the law about the control of dogs and extending the provisions with respect to stray dogs, the control of dogs on certain roads and on land and, in particular, providing a penalty for attacking a person in addition to the enalty for worrying livestock; and 
• Providing for district councils to enforce the law through officers of the councils (dog wardens).

3. Article (52) of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 provides for each district council to furnish the Department with information, in this case dog statistic.

4. Follow us on Twitter at: @daera_ni

5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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