Keeping pets

Updated: 18 May 2013
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We encourage responsible pet ownership
Cat and dog on a sofa
Pets can be a great source of companionship, particularly for older people who live alone. Many people see their pets as an extension of their family and treat them as such. For children, pet ownership can encourage responsibility. For older people pets can reduce the feelings of loneliness.
However pets require considerable attention and owners need to be aware of their responsibilities towards other tenants who may not share their love of animals. We encourage responsible pet ownership and before acquiring one, tenants should be aware of the conditions set down in their tenancy agreement which everyone signs at the start of their tenancy and which is legally enforceable.
If your home is a flat or maisonette the tenancy conditions require tenants not to keep one or more domestic pets without the consent in writing of their District Manager. These tenancy conditions are not there to restrict tenants’ enjoyment of pets, but to ensure that all tenants can have the quiet enjoyment of their homes.
Unfortunately, where responsible pet ownership is not evident we have no option but to take appropriate action. If you would like to discuss any matter relating to pet ownership, please contact your local district office.

Pet welfare

Since the 2nd April 2012, district councils in Northern Ireland are responsible for the welfare of domestic pets. If you are concerned about the welfare of a pet, please contact your local officer.

BELFAST CITY COUNCIL AREA

Sandie Lightfoot
Telephone: 02890 270431

EASTERN AREA - Ards, Castlereagh, Down, Lisburn and North Down

Ian McCreery
Telephone: 028 90494567

NORTHERN AREA - Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey

Sam Jackson
Telephone: 028 25660412

SOUTHERN AREA  - Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon, Newry and Mourne

Mark Brown
Telephone: 028 37515800

WESTERN AREA  - Derry/Londonderry, Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh and Strabane

Karen Kerr George
Telephone: 028 82256226

Dog fouling

Dog mess is a nuisance and it's associated with various diseases. Dog owners should clean up after their dog in public places. People who do not clean up after their dog may be fined by their local council. For further information, you should check with your local council.