02/04/2026
Dog Owners Urged To Use Leads At Beauty Spots
NI Water is calling on the public to ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times when visiting its various beauty spots across Northern Ireland. The policy is strictly enforced across all NI Water sites to protect the safety of pets, grazing livestock, and local wildlife.
The appeal comes amid concerns regarding the impact of unrestrained dogs on farming livelihoods. Each year, sheep and lambs are lost due to direct attacks or the extreme stress caused by dogs off their leads. Such incidents can cause livestock to suffer fatal injuries or result in ewes losing their lambs, leading to significant emotional and financial distress for local farmers. Under current legislation, dog owners can face fines of up to £1000 if their pet is found to be worrying sheep.
Rebecca Allen, NI Water Catchment Officer, commented: "NI Water is very happy to host visitors to our publicly accessible sites. Many sites which are owned by NI Water, such as the Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains and the Garron Plateau in Co. Antrim, often seem like wilderness, unmanaged by anyone. But these areas are homes to ground-nesting breeding birds, special habitats, drinking water catchments and are the workplace for many farmers. They are owned and managed carefully by NI Water, the National Trust and other partners."
She further explained the risks posed by pets allowed to roam free: "Often the presence of a dog off lead is enough to spook a sheep and cause it to harm itself in an attempt to get to safety, and to chase away nesting birds leaving eggs and chicks exposed to predators. Your dog may be very well trained and obedient, but often their instinct can take over and they will chase livestock when off the lead and out of your control."
Visitors are reminded to adhere to the Countryside Code for Northern Ireland, which includes keeping dogs on leads at all times and ensuring that all dog waste is bagged and binned.
"Keeping your dog on a lead keeps our wildlife safe and your dog safe and happy too," Ms Allen added. NI Water extended its thanks to the many visitors who already comply with these regulations while enjoying the countryside.
The appeal comes amid concerns regarding the impact of unrestrained dogs on farming livelihoods. Each year, sheep and lambs are lost due to direct attacks or the extreme stress caused by dogs off their leads. Such incidents can cause livestock to suffer fatal injuries or result in ewes losing their lambs, leading to significant emotional and financial distress for local farmers. Under current legislation, dog owners can face fines of up to £1000 if their pet is found to be worrying sheep.
Rebecca Allen, NI Water Catchment Officer, commented: "NI Water is very happy to host visitors to our publicly accessible sites. Many sites which are owned by NI Water, such as the Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains and the Garron Plateau in Co. Antrim, often seem like wilderness, unmanaged by anyone. But these areas are homes to ground-nesting breeding birds, special habitats, drinking water catchments and are the workplace for many farmers. They are owned and managed carefully by NI Water, the National Trust and other partners."
She further explained the risks posed by pets allowed to roam free: "Often the presence of a dog off lead is enough to spook a sheep and cause it to harm itself in an attempt to get to safety, and to chase away nesting birds leaving eggs and chicks exposed to predators. Your dog may be very well trained and obedient, but often their instinct can take over and they will chase livestock when off the lead and out of your control."
Visitors are reminded to adhere to the Countryside Code for Northern Ireland, which includes keeping dogs on leads at all times and ensuring that all dog waste is bagged and binned.
"Keeping your dog on a lead keeps our wildlife safe and your dog safe and happy too," Ms Allen added. NI Water extended its thanks to the many visitors who already comply with these regulations while enjoying the countryside.
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03 August 2009
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
02 October 2026
NI Water Urges Dog Owners To Keep Pets On Leads At Public Sites
NI Water has reminded dog owners to keep their pets on leads at its public access locations following concerns about dogs being allowed to roam free, including at Lough Mourne Reservoir in Carrickfergus.
NI Water Urges Dog Owners To Keep Pets On Leads At Public Sites
NI Water has reminded dog owners to keep their pets on leads at its public access locations following concerns about dogs being allowed to roam free, including at Lough Mourne Reservoir in Carrickfergus.
16 December 2014
Changes To Dog Licensing Unveiled
Changes to dog licensing regulations in Northern Ireland are to come into effect from 1 January 2015, it has been announced. The changes, introduced under the Dogs (Licensing and Identification) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, means that microchipping will now become the only official method of identifying dogs in NI.
Changes To Dog Licensing Unveiled
Changes to dog licensing regulations in Northern Ireland are to come into effect from 1 January 2015, it has been announced. The changes, introduced under the Dogs (Licensing and Identification) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, means that microchipping will now become the only official method of identifying dogs in NI.
12 August 2019
Dog Attack Leaves Young Boy In Hospital
A young boy is receiving treatment in hospital after he was attacked by a dog in County Tyrone. Police said the incident happened in the village of Sion Mills on Sunday 11 August. The youngster was left shaken by the dog attack, which is understood to have been the second in the area in just two weeks. The dog warden has been informed.
Dog Attack Leaves Young Boy In Hospital
A young boy is receiving treatment in hospital after he was attacked by a dog in County Tyrone. Police said the incident happened in the village of Sion Mills on Sunday 11 August. The youngster was left shaken by the dog attack, which is understood to have been the second in the area in just two weeks. The dog warden has been informed.
19 February 2013
New Regulations To Stop Puppy Farming
New regulations on dog breeding are to come into force in Northern Ireland in April this year. Under the Welfare of Animals Regulations (NI) 2013, the new regulations will mean a new definition for a commercial breeding establishment. All commercial breeding establishments will require a license, unless they apply for exemption.
New Regulations To Stop Puppy Farming
New regulations on dog breeding are to come into force in Northern Ireland in April this year. Under the Welfare of Animals Regulations (NI) 2013, the new regulations will mean a new definition for a commercial breeding establishment. All commercial breeding establishments will require a license, unless they apply for exemption.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry and cloudy this morning, some patchy rain in the northwest. This afternoon will be cloudy with some light and patchy rain spreading southeast for a time. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Clear periods across the north at first this evening. Otherwise a cloudy evening and night with outbreaks of rain spreading from the southwest. Light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.