COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, January 13, 2025
MOTION NO. 5(a)
MOTION: Councillor E. Murphy
That South Dublin County Council invests in a standalone educational campaign on responsible dog ownership focusing on dog fouling, appropriate signage, the role of the dog wardens, bye-laws on dogs in public open spaces and dogs in the home.
REPORT:
South Dublin County Council will consider an investment in an educational and awareness campaign aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership. The campaign will focus on key issues such as dog fouling, clear and effective signage, the role and responsibilities of dog wardens, adherence to local bye-laws governing dogs in public open spaces and promoting best practices for keeping dogs in homes.
The campaign will include public workshops, digital material that will be shared on our social media, media outreach, and the involvement of local dog owners, communities, and relevant authorities such as our Dog Wardens. The aim of the campaign will be to raise awareness, educate dog owners about their responsibilities particularly regarding dog fouling, public safety, and compliance with local bye-laws.
This campaign will be timely, with the recent announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD on the introduction of new regulations regarding the ownership, breeding and sale of XL bully dogs and has subsequently together with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, confirmed additional funding for the resourcing of Dog Warden services in 2025.
Since 1 October 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs. From 1 February 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ issued by the local authority in which the dog resides. XL Bully owners have between 1 October 2024 and 31 January 2025 to apply for a Certificate of Exemption. XL Bully owners in the South Dublin County Council area can get more information as well as downloading the required forms here: XL Bully Regulations - SDCC
South Dublin County Council continues to look for new and innovative ways to help combat the issue of dog fouling, and over the last number of years has engaged in radio and cinema adverts to increase awareness around the issue of dog fouling. An example of one of these short videos is attached.
Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, where faeces has been deposited by a dog in any place to which the section applies, the person in charge of the dog shall immediately remove the faeces and shall ensure that it is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner.
The difficulty with enforcement of Section 22 is the requirement for witness testimony, to report that the offence happened and that an identified person is the person in charge of the dog. In the absence of such testimony, fines cannot be issued. The Council continues to encourage residents’ groups and/or individuals to assist the Warden Service in this regard.
Dog litter, if properly bagged can be disposed of in a standard litter bin. The Council provides standard type litter bins in its main parks and at the dog runs which have been provided in those parks. In total there are over 850 litter bins provided at parks locations in the county, on streets and in villages and urban centres.
Dog Litter Signage is available and requests for signage are considered on a case-by-case basis. The location of the request is examined and if deemed suitable signs can be erected. If there is/are registered group(s) in existence in an area, signage may be provided directly to the group through the Social Credit Scheme with the caveat that such signage erected must have due regard for public health and safety, and must not impede visibility or restrict traffic, cycling and pedestrian flow. South Dublin County Council will review all relevant signage in relation to dogs in line with this campaign.
South Dublin County Council employs two full time Dog Wardens within the administrative area. The Dog Warden's role is 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 seizure and collection of unwanted/stray dogs and removal to the dog pound.
Further information in relation to dogs and dog ownership can be found on our website here: Dogs - SDCC