inform-residents-newsletter-summer-2017 (3)

12 | Inform Summer 2017 Worrying livestock involves a dog attacking cattle or sheep or chasing livestock in such a way as could reasonably be expected to cause any form of suffering to the animals or financial loss to their owner. Be a responsible dog owner by always: • Checking for livestock in fields when walking your dog • Shutting gates behind you • Keeping your dog on a lead and in control at all times when in a field with livestock. The only time you should release your dog is in the event of being chased by cattle to avoid risk of injury to you. If you live near livestock and own a dog ensure that your property and garden are secure so your pets cannot escape. Your dog – your responsibility Bag it, Bin it Dog mess is a nuisance and can be dangerous to people, especially children. It is associated with various diseases including Toxocara Canis which is a roundworm found in dogs. Roundworm eggs are found in dog mess and can easily be picked up by young children causing stomach upsets, sore throats, asthma and in some cases, blindness. The eggs can stay active in the soil for many years, long after the dog mess has weathered away. If your dog fouls, you must clean it up. A Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 can be issued by the Council to people who fail to clean up after their dog has fouled in a public place. Remember to: • Always carry a means to clear up after your dog – a plastic bag or poop scoop • Dispose of your dog poop bags in any public litter bin in the district, or take it home • Never let your dog out alone to toilet • Keep your dog away from children’s play areas & sports pitches at all times • Always wash your hands afterwards • Worm your dog regularly. £80 FIXED PENALTY NOTICE Livestock worrying Animal welfare – it’s everyone’s business District Councils have responsibility for enforcing the Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011 in respect of non-farmed animals such as cats, dogs, horses and donkeys. Our Animal Welfare Officers have legal enforcement powers and can take a range of actions to improve the welfare of non-farmed animals. In the most extreme cases of suffering, this can include prosecution which can lead to a prison sentence of up to 5 years and an unlimited fine. If you become aware of an animal welfare case: • Report it to the appropriate enforcement body • Do not upload comments or photographs to social media sites or other media outlets as this may jeopardise potential court proceedings • Do not interfere with evidence as this may affect any subsequent criminal investigation • Do not attempt to rescue an animal from another person or property as you may be found to be acting illegally. Reporting an animal welfare concern For non-farmed animals such as domestic pets Telephone the Council’s Animal Welfare service on 028 8225 6226 . For farmed animals Telephone the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on 0300 200 7840 . For non-farmed wild animals For wildlife crime concerns, for example badger baiting, poisoning of birds, deer poaching or if an animal is on the road telephone the PSNI’s non- emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency. Paws for thought