COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 10, 2012

QUESTION NO. 4

QUESTION: Councillor M. Duff

To ask the Manager if she will detail the powers of the County Dog Wardens, under The Control of Dogs Regulations, in particular to the requirement for owners of certain breeds of dogs that must be muzzled when in a public place and will she detail what penalties, if any, apply when owners fail to observe that requirement and how those penalties can be applied?

REPLY:

Dogs must be kept under control at all times. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, that a dog must be under effectual control at all times when outside of the premises of the owner/person in charge of the dog. The following types of dogs must be muzzled at all times when out in public:

American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Sheppard, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, any cross breed of the above.

These dogs must also be led by a person over the age of 16 and kept on a strong chain or lead not longer than 2 metres. Any person who is found to be in charge of a dog that is not under effectual control is liable for a fine in the sum of €30. Failure to pay the fine can result in prosecution with a maximum fine of €1,900 and /or up to 3 month imprisonment if convicted.