New Dog Park Opens at Ormeau Park as Belfast City Council Launches ‘Take the Lead’ Campaign

Dog owners in Belfast have something new to wag about. A brand-new dog play area has officially opened in Ormeau Park, offering a safe, enclosed and welcoming space for dogs of all sizes — while the council ramps up efforts to tackle dog fouling across the city.

A Purpose-Built Space for Dogs and Owners

Located close to the Indoor Tennis Centre and Ozone Complex, the new facility includes:

• Dedicated enclosed areas for small dogs and for medium to large breeds
• Agility-style play equipment
• Fresh water supply
• Seating for owners

In a sustainable twist, some of the play features have been cleverly upcycled from disused playground equipment, repurposed into dog-friendly obstacles.

The project has been funded through the Concert Social Levy scheme, which reinvests revenue from major park events back into local communities.

‘Take the Lead – Bag It, Bin It!’ Campaign Launched

The opening of the dog park coincides with a renewed awareness campaign from Belfast City Council aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership.

The ‘Take the Lead – Bag It, Bin It!’ campaign focuses on:

• Increased dog warden patrols in hotspot areas
• Targeted enforcement based on resident feedback
• New dog fouling awareness messages displayed on Street Cleansing vehicles
• Cleansing staff wearing “Ask me for a Dog Poo Bag” badges
• Free dog waste bags available from operatives if owners are caught short

Councillor Fred Cobain, Chair of the People and Communities Committee, emphasised that while most dog owners act responsibly, a small minority continue to leave waste behind, impacting shared public spaces.

The Penalties

Dog fouling remains a criminal offence in Northern Ireland.

• £80 Fixed Penalty Notice
• Reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days
• Court fine of up to £1,000 for non-payment

Dog waste can be placed in any public litter bin or household black bin.

Have Your Say

Residents can:

• Report dog fouling incidents online via Belfast City Council’s website to support targeted enforcement.
• Take part in the ongoing city-wide survey (open until Monday 2 March) to share views on how dog fouling affects their area and what further measures may help change behaviours.

Why This Matters

For Belfast businesses, families and park users, clean public spaces are critical for community wellbeing and city reputation. The new dog park at Ormeau Park represents a practical investment in responsible ownership — pairing improved facilities with firmer enforcement.

If managed effectively, it could become a blueprint for similar facilities across the city.