As a dog owner, you have many responsibilities, including some legal ones.
Being aware of these rules can make you a better and more responsible dog owner and also help to keep your dog safe and content.
Local authorities are responsible for the control of dogs; they appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners who are not abiding by the laws.
Once you follow this article, you will not need to worry about the dog warden.
Dog Licences
Under Irish law, you must have a license for your dog.
You need to be at least 16 years old to get a dog license.
All dogs over 4 months old that are no longer with their mothers must have a dog license.
As most puppies are brought home at 2-3 months old, this gives most new dog owners a good bit of time to get their dog license.
A dog warden has the authority to ask you to produce evidence of your dog license.
Licenses are not needed for blind persons' guide dogs; for dogs in the possession of a local authority, the ISPCA or the Gardaí, or for any dog imported into the Country for less than 30 days.
If you don’t have a dog license you may be required to pay an on-the-spot fine of €100.
Failure to pay the on-the-spot fine could result in a maximum fine of €2500 and/or 3 months imprisonment.
However, this can easily be avoided by popping into your local post office where standard dog licenses are available.
General dog licenses for multiple dogs are issued by your local authority.
Dog Identification
Dogs must always wear a collar that has the name and the address of the owner on a dog tag, a plate, or on the collar itself.
Dog tags and collars are available in a large range of colours and styles, so this law can result in a cute fashion accessory for your dog!
It is advised that you microchip your dog too, as unfortunately collars and tags can sometimes come off or be removed from the dog.
At present, there is no obligation to do this, however, following the enactment of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 a program of micro-chipping is being planned.
It is expected that micro-chipping will be compulsory by law in Ireland sometime in 2015.
Failure to have identification on a dog can result in an on-the-spot fine issued by a dog warden. Failure to pay this fine within a specific period can result in prosecution by the local authority.
Dog Fouling
It is against the law to allow your dog to “do their business” in a public place and not clean it up.
This makes the area much more enjoyable for everyone! You can get clean-up bags and a holder to attach to your dog's lead so you will always have a cleanup bag with you.
You are entitled to complain to the District Court under the litter laws about a person who allows their dog to foul in public places and does not remove it.
Before you do this, you must first inform the dog owner by completing a special form available from the Dog Control Unit of your local authority.
Barking
Excessive dog barking that causes a nuisance is an offense.
The District Court can make an order requiring the reduction of excessive barking by a dog, can limit the number of dogs been kept by an owner, or can direct that a dog be delivered to a dog warden as an unwanted dog.
One of the most common causes of dogs barking is boredom.
Make sure your dog has some interactive toys, such as Kongs and Nylabones that will keep them occupied.
Regular walks are also a big help as they allow dogs to use up some energy and rest better when at home.
Dogs Must be under Control
You must keep your dog under control in a public place.
Dogs that are not under proper control are considered stray dogs and can be taken by the dog warden or the Gardaí and brought to a dog pound.
It is advised that you do not leave your dog off their lead in a public place unless they have a very good recall.
Of course, it is a wonderful sight to see your dog running free and having fun, but not being in control of your dog can put them in danger.
You still have the option of using a Flexi lead so your dog can still have a fun time running around, but you still have control over them.
This also allows you to practice recall in a controlled and fun way in a public place so that you can work towards your dog having a perfect recall.
Rules Relating to Certain Dog Breeds
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 imposes rules about the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dogs:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- English Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Mastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Bandog
The rules state that these dogs (or crosses of them) must be kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them, that they must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place, and that they must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.
When selecting a muzzle, it is important to make sure it fits correctly and allows your dog to pant freely, especially on hot days or in situations where your dog will be wearing the muzzle for an extended amount of time.
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