CONSIDERING buying a new puppy for Christmas? Derry City and Strabane District Council is appealing to members of the public to think carefully before purchasing a puppy over the festive period and to consider all aspects before taking on such a large commitment.Enda Cummins, Principal Environment Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council appealed to members of the public saying: “We know the gift of a puppy is very appealing at this time of year and could make a very special Christmas present for someone, however, it is worth thinking twice and considering the responsibilities that come along with dog ownership before you take that step.
‘Owning a dog is a big commitment. With the average life span of a dog ranging up to fifteen years parents should be mindful and educate their children so they understand that owning a dog is a long-term commitment and often very demanding. Dogs need a lot of time and attention and can be expensive to keep in terms of grooming, feeding and at times unexpected vet bills. There is also the daily responsibilities of having a dog such as ensuring it gets exercise, fed, groomed, trained and cleaned up after.
“They also need company just like us humans and can get bored and lonely very easily. Younger active dogs in particular need high levels of mental stimulation and constructive play. Please also ensure that your dog never becomes a nuisance to your neighbour.”
What is a responsible dog owner?
Enda Cummins continued: “A responsible dog owner is an owner who ensures the good welfare of his or her pet, keeps their dog under control at all times, never allows their dog to stray, disposes of their pets dog foul immediately and ensures that their dog does not cause nuisance through noise or odour.
“Licensing is considered to be an integral part of responsible dog ownership. All dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, must have a valid dog licence. Before you get a dog or a puppy you MUST get a licence for it, even a puppy that stays with its mother must have a licence by the age of six months. It is against the law not to and Council will prosecute if you are caught.”
Anyone licensing a dog should note that it is no longer possible to licence it without including its valid microchip number. Micro chipping is considered a simple and safe modern identification method which is permanent and cannot be removed, therefore if someone was to steal your dog Council can attempt to trace it through its microchip.
“If your dog is not already licensed or micro chipped maybe consider this as a gift for your pet this Christmas? Not only does it help our dog wardens reunite lost dogs with their owners but it also gives dog owners peace of mind in knowing if their dog is ever lost, there is an increased chance of finding it through our micro chipping system” added Mr Cummins.
Dog licenses are available online at the Council’s website http://www.derrystrabane.com/doglicence or can be purchased at Council Offices in Derry or Strabane. Alternatively, an application can be posted on request.
