Responsible Dog Ownership

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Dog Licence

How can I pay for my dog licence?

All dogs over four months old and away from their mothers must have a dog licence. You must be over 16 years of age to hold a dog licence. The current cost of a dog licence is €20 per year and can be bought at any An Post outlet. You can buy your dog licence over the counter or purchase it on line On line dog licence application form A lifetime dog licence can be bought for €140 from Longford County Council or from your local An Post office.

It is an offence to keep a dog without a dog licence and an on the spot fine of €100 applies. You can be requested by the Dog Warden to produce your dog licence and failure to do so can result in an on the spot fine. Part of your dog licence covers: Collection of stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs. Dogs are cared for in your local pound until, if suitable returned, re-homed or acquired a space at an animal rescue.   The General Dog Licences (€400) will still be purchased through Longford County Council.

If you require further assistance with your online purchase, please contact An Post by email at support@licences.ie or alternatively by ringing 1890 200090.

Microchipping

As and from 31st April 2016 all dogs must be microchipped by law. This helps with the retrieval of your dogs should they go missing. Those who refuse to microchip their dogs could face a fine of up to €5,000 on conviction.

Dog Control

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 when outside of the premises of the person/owner in charge of the dog.

The following dogs must be on a leash and muzzled and controlled by a person over 16 years, who is capable of controlling the dog, when in a public place. An on the spot fine of €100 can be imposed for not complying with this.

  • Doberman Pinscher
  • English Bull Terrier
  • Bulldog 
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Akita
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Bull Mastif
  • Rottweiler
  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • Bandog

or any strain/cross of the above breeds. Owners of Greyhounds may walk no more than 4 Greyhounds at any one time. Dogs left to roam loose in the neighbourhood cause a nuisance such as sheep worrying, defecating, chasing cars/people, damage to gardens etc.

Sheep worrying brings immense and unnecessary stress upon farmers. Each year, dogs that are allowed to run free are a menace to sheep. Uncontrolled pets can decimate a flock, with reports suggesting that up to 4,000 sheep are killed or seriously injured in dog attacks yearly. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs are under control at all times. Sheep worrying can occur at any time of the year but it is hugely problematic when it happens during the lambing season. Up to 2.5 million lambs are born across the country every Spring. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night.

Dog owners must remember that even the most gentle family pet can kill or maim sheep and lambs if allowed to roam. Never let your dog out unsupervised, especially at night.

Link to government press release on The Responsibilities of Dog Owners during Lambing Season: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication dog control during lambing season

Link to video on responsibilities of Dog Owners during Lambing Season:Dog control during lambing season

Dog Fouling

Help Scally be a good dog and pick up the poop

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Dog fouling is a health hazard and spoils walkways and amenities for everybody. Toxocariasis is a disease found in animal faeces and is caused by eggs of the round worm toxocara. These can be passed from dogs to humans through contact with animal faeces and contaminated soil. Children are particularity at risk of infection and can lead to illness and even partial loss of sight. It is an entirely preventable health risk and is the main reason dog owners should clean up after their pets. Freshly deposited faeces are not infectious because toxocara eggs do not become infectious for at least 3 to 6 weeks after the faeces has been deposited.

Under section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 (as amended) dog owners are legally obliged to clean up after their dog if they defecate in a public place. A fine of €150 can be imposed. Failure to pay this fine can result in prosecution with a maximum fine of €3000 on conviction.

Dog Barking

If you have problems with persistent dog barking then talk to the dog’s owner to try and resolve the issue. Then failing a satisfactory outcome, you can lodge an official complaint with your local District Court under Section 25(2) of the Control of Dogs act 1986 &1992. You must notify the owner of the dog prior to making a complaint. A copy of the notice of intention to make a complaint to the District Court can be obtained from the County Council.

Spaying/Neutering

This procedure reduces the number of unwanted puppies/dogs that are euthanised/put to sleep annually. It also reduces the risk of your dog contracting life-threatening diseases. Your vet can perform the procedure and your dog will be fully healed within 2 weeks. Subsidised Spaying/Neutering Schemes There are many reduced rate schemes for certain social welfare recipients. Please contact your local dog warden for more details.

To download a helpful leaflet please click here: Responsible-Dog-Ownership-Leaflet.pdf (size 1.2 MB)

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