Dogs set to be banned from Mid and East Antrim Council buildings under new policy

Monday 21 September 2026

Dogs – with the exception of assistance dogs – look set to be banned from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council buildings under a new policy approved by councillors.

The council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee, which met at The Braid in Ballymena last week, agreed the policy following an increase in people bringing animals onto council premises and requests involving dogs, birds and reptiles.

The policy must still be ratified by the full council before taking effect.

Requests for dogs, birds and reptiles

A report presented to councillors said the policy had been developed to support the local authority’s “commitment to providing an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for all residents, visitors and employees”.

It stated:

“An increasing number of customers have attended council premises accompanied by dogs and other animals.

“There has also been a growing number of requests from customers seeking permission to bring animals including dogs, birds and reptiles into council venues and surrounding areas for weddings, indoor events and other activities.”

The council acknowledged that while the presence of animals can benefit some individuals, concerns can arise around fouling, aggressive behaviour, allergies and potential disruption to services.

The new policy is intended to ensure a “consistent, transparent and proportionate approach” across council services, removing ambiguity over which animals are permitted and increasing awareness among staff.

It will also provide support to managers and employees when considering reasonable adjustments where an employee requires an assistance dog because of a disability.

Assistance dogs protected

The report described an assistance dog as one that has been specifically trained to carry out tasks which mitigate the effects of a person’s disability, including dogs trained by recognised organisations or professional trainers.

Emotional support animals, however, are not included within the proposed policy’s definition of assistance dogs.

The report said the council must “balance the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by trained assistance dogs with the need to protect the health, safety and well-being of other customers, visitors and staff”.

Any safeguards introduced must not “unlawfully restrict access for an assistance dog partnership unless there is a demonstrable and disproportionate health and safety risk”, with removal of an animal to be regarded as a last resort.

Dog shows could return

The policy would not necessarily spell the end of organised animal-related events at council venues, with provision potentially allowing activities such as dog shows to take place subject to appropriate controls.

Bannside Ulster Unionist Councillor Jackson Minford asked whether there would be an exemption for petting farms. An officer indicated that additional controls apply to petting farms.

Carrickfergus Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE recalled the role dog shows previously played at council facilities.

“In the past, dog shows featured heavily in community centres. We lost that during Covid.”