Dogs to face new lead rules at Antrim Castle Gardens and Hazelbank Park

New dog control orders will come into effect across Antrim and Newtownabbey from 1 January, extending restrictions to include several of the borough’s most popular visitor attractions.

At a meeting of the Operations Committee held at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening, councillors agreed that dogs must be kept on leads in the Platinum Jubilee Garden area of Antrim Castle Gardens, and in the Coronation Garden at Hazelbank Park, Newtownabbey.

Dogs will also be required to remain on leads in cemeteries and at the crematorium on Doagh Road, Newtownabbey.

However, dogs will not be permitted in playgrounds, pitches, playing fields or sensory gardens at Antrim Forum, Hazelbank Park and Ballyclare War Memorial Park when the new restrictions are introduced next year.

A committee report explained that the amendments to the dog control orders are designed to ensure consistency across the borough, covering dog exclusion areas, dogs-on-leads areas, dogs-on-leads-by-direction, and dog fouling.

New signage will be installed in all relevant locations.

A public consultation held in July indicated support for stronger enforcement, alongside calls for designated off-lead areas to be retained or expanded, particularly at Hazelbank, Loughshore, and Antrim Castle Gardens.

In recent years, two dedicated dog parks have been created at Antrim Forum and Valley Park, Newtownabbey, providing space for off-lead exercise. The committee report stated that officers believe “sufficient designated spaces remain across the borough for off-lead exercise.”

Speaking at the meeting, Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly, a dog owner, said:

“It is good to see this in front of us. It covers all council areas. There are not that many changes, which is a good thing. There are still plenty of on-lead and off-lead areas.”

Cllr Kelly stressed that every dog owner has a responsibility to keep their pet under control at all times, whether on or off the lead.

“I want to emphasise it is down to us to be responsible dog owners,” he said.

He also noted that the council is regularly contacted about dog fouling and reminded residents that everyone has a role to play in keeping public spaces clean.

Cllr Kelly proposed approving the updated dog control orders, which was seconded by Alliance colleague, Airport Councillor Andrew McAuley.