Council will introduce a new dog control order on lands between Ballintoy and Whitepark Bay from the 1st April 2024.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will introduce a new dog control order on lands between Ballintoy and Whitepark Bay from the 1st April 2024.
The control, in place to help prevent livestock worrying and attacks, has been implemented after public consultation on the matter during 2023.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan said:
“We are fortunate here in Causeway Coast and Glens to have the beautiful and often dramatic landscape from Ballintoy to White Park Bay.
“After recent public consultation on the matter I welcome the introduction of this new order to keep dogs on leads at all times between Ballintoy and White Park Bay.
“Dogs play an important part in people’s lives, and we want to continue to welcome locals, visitors and their dogs to the area. However, as these lands form part of a working farm, often with livestock grazing, this order will help ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy this magnificent coastal walk, in harmony with each other.”
Signage has been erected to inform dog owners of the new legislation and to remind them that the offence of not having their dog on a lead may result in an £80 Fixed Penalty.
Environmental Wardens will also undertake educational patrols in the area to raise awareness on the coming order and will also be undertaking enforcement patrols after 1st April.
Livestock worrying has many forms such as barking, chasing, biting, killing. Any dog can worry livestock, no matter how well trained. Farmers want people to enjoy the countryside in a responsible manner and farmers too should also be able to enjoy it without stress.
Council hopes that coming into the spring and summer season locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy everything that Causeway Coast and Glens has to offer while adhering to controls in place to help everyone who lives here.
Council would like to remind dog owners that it is a legal requirement for any dog in a public place to wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it, or on a tag.
Owners are also reminded that dog waste on grazing land can pass worms and parasites to other dogs, sheep, wildlife, and people. It is therefore vital to clear up after your dog.
Worming your dog at least every three months not only benefits your pet, but also other dogs, people (particularly children), wildlife and livestock. Failure to remove foul can also result in a £200 Fixed Penalty.