COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 10, 2022

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor Carly Bailey

To ask the Chief Executive how SDCC deals with complaints from the public re lack of enforcement relating to dogs off of leads in public parks and greens, especially where another animal(s) and or person is injured as a result. 

REPLY:

The Parks and Open Space Bye-Laws 2011 are in force to ensure that parks provided as a public amenity, are used by members of the public to the maximum extend in safety and comfort.

The Council's Parks and Open Spaces ByeLaws provide as follows in relation to animals:

4.1       Dogs:-  

4.1.1    No person: 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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 

  1. 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. 
  2. b) Be liable for any damage or injury which may be caused by the dog. 
  3. c) Remove it from the Park if so directed by an Employee of the Council or an Authorised Person.

The Public Realm Section have a Park Ranger service that enforces the bye-laws during the course of their duties. The dog wardens do regular checks of the parks and work with the Park Rangers when necessary. The dog wardens are responsible for the enforcement of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended. This includes responding to complaints relating to dogs not under effectual control and/or dangerous dogs, carrying out of Licence Checks and the initiation of enforcement proceedings where possible and the seizure and collection of unwanted/stray dogs and removal to the Dog Pound.