Dog Control Information
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council enforces dog control legislation to promote responsible dog ownership and protect the public, livestock and other animals. The main legislation is the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (as amended).
You can view our Dog Control Orders on the Dog Control Orders page.
Licensing
All dogs must be microchipped before a licence can be issued. You will need your dog’s microchip number when applying.
Licences can be applied for through Council Direct, where you will need to create an account.
Proof of eligibility is required for any concessions (e.g. birth certificate, pension book, proof of benefits, or veterinary confirmation of neutering).
A licence cannot be issued without this evidence. Failure to provide it may void your licence and result in a £120 fixed penalty.
You do NOT need a licence for:
- Puppies under 6 months kept by the owner of the mother
- Assistance dogs
- Dogs kept for sale in licensed pet shops
- Police dogs
- Dogs covered by a block licence
Dog Licence Fee Categories
The fee for licensing your dog is now £12.50 annually though reduced fees are now available and are listed below:
| Licence Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Licence | £12.50 |
| Over 65 - first dog | Free |
| Over 65 and already claimed one free licence | £5 |
| In receipt of Income Support or Housing Benefit | £5 |
| The dog is neutered or sterilised | £5 |
| Block licence | £32 |
Please note that we may seek to confirm the accuracy of the declarations by seeking evidence of age, benefit eligibility or status of the dog concerned.
False declarations will render the applicant liable to legal action.
Breeders Licenses are also available for owners of dogs who own 3 or more unsterilised bitches any of which is used for breeding, which breeds 2 or more litters of pups in any 12 month period.
You are also required to inform us if you sell your dog or give it to a new keeper.
How to apply for a dog licence
Apply or renew you dog licence online through Council Direct
By Post
Download an application form using this link and return it to:
Dog Licensing
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Ardeevin
80 Galgorm Road
Ballymena
BT42 1AB
By Telephone (Renewals Only)
Call 0300 124 5000.
Stray dogs
Owners must keep dogs on their property to prevent straying and reduce fouling.
If your dog strays, you may receive:
- An £80 fixed penalty
- Kennel or return‑to‑owner fees
If your dog is not microchipped or licensed, these must be completed and paid for before the dog can be returned.
Dog fouling
Dog fouling is one of the most common complaints received. Wardens regularly patrol problem areas, and bins, signage and CCTV may be used.
If you fail to clean up after your dog, enforcement action may include:
- A fixed penalty
- A formal caution
- Prosecution
If you have evidence which could assist us to catch those responsible for dog fouling, please use the link below
Issues regarding dog waste bins or street cleansing to remove existing dog fouling should be reported to the Council’s Waste Department at by emailing: waste.helpdesk@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Contact Dog Control
If you would like further information on this page please contact Environmental Health on T: 0300 124 5000 and select the relevant option for your area.
For matters relating to dog straying or dog attacks, outside office hours, please leave a message with our Senior Enforcement Officer on: T: 028 2563 3120.
While there is no obligation to respond outside office hours, our Officer may do so after an assessment of any voicemail messages left.