English

Cuardaigh ar fad gov.ie

Preasráitis

Ministers Humphreys, O’Brien and Dillon announce €2m for local authorities to hire up to 40 new Dog Wardens and support services

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD have today (Thursday, 25 July 2024) announced funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025.

The funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the pending ban on XL Bully dogs.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Public safety is my number one priority, this funding will help each local authority to ensure they have the necessary number of dog wardens in place.

“The measures banning the import, sale and breeding of XL Bullies will be in place very shortly. This funding will help ensure that these new measures are enforced on the ground.

“I have already trebled the fines for a range of offences. Whether it’s in our towns, villages or cities, there should be zero tolerance for people who do not keep their dogs under proper control in public spaces. I’ve asked Local Authorities to begin the process of increasing the number of dog wardens as soon as possible.”

Today’s funding announcement builds on previous funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development to improve local authority dog pound facilities.

Minister Darragh O’Brien added:

“Local authorities play a vital role in the enforcement of our laws on dog control, and it is important that each Local Authority has the necessary resources to support dog wardens services.

“I fully recognise the additional demands in this area, and the need to ensure that there are sufficient services in place to meet these demands. This funding will help achieve that.”

Minister Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, also welcomed the funding:

“We must protect our communities from dangerous dogs, I am confident this allocation will support the enforcement of new dog control measures at a local level, and ensure that authorities can continue to meet the growing challenges in this area.”

Notes

According to recent statistics there are 74 dog wardens employed in total across the Local Government Sector.

It is expected that the majority of the new positions will come on stream in 2025.

Dog Control Responsibilities

The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) is responsible for policy and legislation regarding dog control and dog breeding establishments.

Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational activities including enforcement matters.

Local Authorities have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners. Each year the Department of Rural and Community Development publishes statistics on a range of dog-control related activities of local authorities.

Penalties

Under Section 27(f) of the Control of Dogs Act, any person in breach of any regulation under Section 19 of the Act shall be guilty of an offence.

A person guilty of an offence under the Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €2,500, or to imprisonment of a term of up to 3 months, or both.

Stray or abandoned dogs

Any dog found straying, or abandoned, will be seized by a dog warden. That dog may then be put down after five days if not claimed and any charges paid.

Actions already taken

Earlier this year, Minister Humphreys established the new Stakeholder Group on Dog Control in response to a number of attacks on both people and livestock. The Minister also took a series of other actions at the end of 2023 and earlier in 2024, including:

  • Increasing the on-the-spot fines for offences (Including trebling them for the most serious offences)
  • Investing €2 million in dog warden facilities (announced in November)
  • €2m in June 2024 for local authorities to expand and improve their pounds and warden facilities
  • Launched a major public awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities
  • Announcement of the pending ban on the import, sale and breeding of XL Bullies and the need for existing owners to have a certificate of exemption.

Ban on XL Bully Dogs

  • From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bullies.
  • From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’

Membership of the Stakeholder Group in Dog Control

Chair: Mr John Twomey

  • Dept. of Rural & Community Development
  • Dept. Agriculture, Food & the Marine
  • Dept. Environment, Climate & Communications
  • An Garda Siochána
  • Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland
  • Blue Cross
  • County and City Management Association*
  • Comhairle na Tuaithe
  • Dogs Trust
  • Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  • Hunting Association of Ireland
  • Irish Farmers Association
  • Irish Kennel Club
  • Irish Veterinary Nursing Association
  • Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  • Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption (MADRA)
  • National Association of Regional Games Councils
  • University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Veterinary Ireland

Note: The CCMA is the network of the chief executives of the county and city councils