COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 09, 2019

MOTION NO.9

MOTION: Councillor P. Kearns

"That this Area Committee calls on the Chief Executive to address the problem of dogs off their leash in Tymon Park."

REPORT:

"The primary legislation pertaining to dogs is the Control of Dogs Act 1986. 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.

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 €100. Failure to pay the fine can result in prosecution with a maximum fine of €2500 and /or up to 3 month imprisonment if convicted.

Section 4.1 of the South Dublin County Council's Parks and Open Spaces Bye Laws 2011 provide as follows in relation to Dogs:

 4.1       Dogs:-

 4.1.1    No person: 

a) Shall take into or allow to remain in a Park any dog unless it is under effective control on a leash other than in areas designated (dog runs) or at times specified by the County Council. 

b) In charge of a dog in a Park shall engage it in coursing or permit it to be engaged in coursing in a Park. 

4.1.2    Persons in charge of a dog in a park shall 

a) Take reasonable care to prevent it from causing annoyance to any person using the Park or worrying, chasing, injuring or disturbing any animals, birds or other creatures in the Park. 

b) Be liable for any damage or injury which may be caused by the dog. 

c) Remove it from the Park if so directed by an Employee of the Council or an Authorised Person.

The Council promotes responsible dog ownership which includes an emphasis on the need for the dog owner to keep his/her dog under control at all times and signage to this effect has been erected in the Council's parks including in Tymon Park.  The park ranger service, which consists of 14 full time rangers working on shifts on a 7 day week basis, is responsible for patrolling parks and enforcing the park bye laws including where they relate to dogs in parks.  A dog run has been provided in Tymon Park for those dog owners who wish to allow their dogs to run off leash for a period of time however it is expected that dogs are returned to the leash again once they leave this area.  The park rangers will be reminded that every effort should be made by them to ensure that all dogs are on leash when in the park and outside the designated dog run area.