Ards and North Down Borough Council is responsible for enforcing legislation on dog control including, fouling, stray dogs, dog attacks and excessive barking. Neighbourhood Environment Team officer, Doreen Swan, recently went the ‘extra mile’ to resolve a dog barking complaint, resulting in a positive outcome for both the dog owner and the complainant.
Doreen shared her story and said: “The dog control side of the Council is often viewed as being quite legalistic. While we do take enforcement action such as issuing fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and prosecuting those who breach Dog Control Orders, we also undertake positive, proactive work such as running dog training classes. We also work to resolve issues such as dog barking complaints so that, where possible, there is a positive outcome for all parties.
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Two happy dogs enjoying their walk look down over Newtownards.[/caption]
“I recently received a call from a resident whose neighbour’s dog was barking for long periods during the daytime and the evening. As in all reported cases, I investigated the matter by calling at the home of the dog owner to let them know that their pet was barking a lot.
“Sometimes people don’t realise their dog has been barking while they have been out, so my first step is to make them aware of the issue. I also provide the owner with advice on ways to stop their pet barking when it’s left alone. For example, to leave the television or radio on for background noise and to gradually build up the amount of time the dog is left on its own. As a general rule a dog shouldn’t be left on its own for long periods of time.
“On speaking to the dog owner in this case it became clear that her pets were likely barking excessively as she was unable to walk them due to a disability. It was apparent that she loved her pets and they were good company for her. I contacted a new Northern Ireland charity, Rosie’s Trust, which aims to alleviate the stresses and anxieties experienced by animal owners who find themselves no longer able to care for their companion pets in a practical way. Their volunteers were able to assist by walking the lady’s dogs for her. The dogs no longer bark excessively and the owner is able to continue to enjoy her pets. This was a positive outcome for both parties thanks to Rosie’s Trust.”
Bronagh O’Neill, founder of Rosie’s Trust, explained: “People who are terminally ill, older people and individuals undergoing cancer treatment often find themselves simply too weak or frail to carry out the basic tasks needed to ensure the welfare and happiness of their pet is maintained.
“This can cause considerable stress and distress for both the owner and their pet. These circumstances can lead to the owner having to eventually ‘give up’ their pet and in so doing experience a tremendous loss and feeling of guilt which can only add to their already difficult circumstances.
“Rosie’s Trust aims to support these individuals by helping with the practical tasks – our principle aim is to keep the owner and their pet together! A network of volunteers assist our beneficiaries; providing the practical help they need. Commonly this will be dog walking but also other tasks such as feeding, vet visits, cat and small animal care.
“Our charity and our services are designed to avoid crisis situations. The earlier we are involved when someone is experiencing difficulties looking after their pet, the better we can build our relationship with the owner and their pet. We are also recruiting a network of volunteers who will assist us with short term fostering if one of our owners needs to go into hospital or hospice care.”
For further information on dog control contact the Council’s Neighbourhood Environment Team on 0300 013 3333.
To find out more about Rosie’s Trust visit:
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