Countryside Alliance Ireland

🚨 DOG OWNERS, WORKING DOG HANDLERS AND DOG WALKERS – HAVE YOUR SAY 🚨

Ards and North Down Borough Council is consulting on new dog walking restrictions that could have far-reaching consequences for dog owners across the Borough.

One of the biggest concerns is the apparent lack of publicly available evidence demonstrating that these proposals are necessary or proportionate. Responsible dog owners already comply with existing laws, while councils already have powers to tackle dog fouling, dangerous dogs and dogs that are out of control.

The consultation also raises important questions about the potential impact on working dogs. Many working dogs, including assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs, gundogs, sheepdogs and other trained working animals, rely on regular off-lead exercise, training and socialisation. It is unclear whether the proposed restrictions have fully considered the needs of these dogs and their handlers.

If the proposal is adopted:

Individuals may walk 1-4 dogs at any one time

Groups (e.g., two professional walkers) may walk dogs together, but each person must not exceed the limit

Enforcement officers may request details from any individual in control of a dog

Failure to comply may result in fixed penalty notices or further enforcement action

Before introducing further restrictions, the Council should explain:

❓ What evidence shows there is a widespread problem requiring additional controls?

❓ Why existing enforcement powers are not sufficient?

❓ What assessment has been carried out regarding the impact on working dogs and their handlers?

❓ How these proposals will affect responsible dog owners who already follow the rules?

Whether you support or oppose the proposals, this consultation is your opportunity to have your say. If you believe the proposals are unnecessary, unsupported by evidence, or could have unintended consequences for responsible dog ownership and working dogs, make your views known.

📢 Respond to the consultation here:
https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Responsible-Dog-Walking

Please share this post with dog owners, working dog handlers, trainers, clubs and local residents. Decisions like this should be based on evidence, not assumptions.

Countryside Alliance Ireland welcome and appreciate the decision by the Department of Justice and the Minister to listen to the concerns raised by CAI regarding the proposed amendments to fi****ms licensing fees and the “banded system.”

Thank you to the DOJ and the Minister for taking the time to properly consider the issues highlighted during the consultation process and for recognising that aspects of the proposals required further reflection. The withdrawal of the consultation demonstrates the importance of public pressure, constructive engagement and meaningful consultation with the shooting community and all affected stakeholders.

This outcome shows that respectful, evidence-based concerns as raised in our e lobby can make a difference when people work together and make their voices heard.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, engaged, took the time to complete the e lobby and stood up for fair and practical licensing proposals.

This is exactly why so many rural people oppose blanket hunting bans. Responsible dog owners, farmers and gamekeepers shouldn’t risk prosecution because a dog follows its natural instincts outdoors. Good legislation should target genuine cruelty, not criminalise countryside life and working dogs.

Hunting supporters say ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution

Fox hunting: Supporters say bill to ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where hunting with dogs is still permitted.

Your Weekend News Letter on Saturday May 23 2026