Legislation

The following information is based on the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, Control of Dogs (Ammendment) Act, 1992, and the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998.

Stray Dogs

Dogs that are in a public place and are not accompanied by their owner or a responsible person are considered stray dogs. You can receive an on-the-spot fine if your dog is not under proper control. Stray dogs may be seized by the dog warden and the Gardaí and brought to the local dog pound. If not claimed by their owners within five days, these dogs may be re-homed or euthanized.

If your dog has strayed or is missing, you should contact the Veterinary Section directly (refer to Contact Us page for additional information) to check whether your dog has been picked up. Before you can pick up your dog, you will have to pay a reclaim fee (refer to Fines page for additional information) and produce a current dog licence. If you do not have a current dog licence, you must obtain one before collecting your dog (refer to Licensing page for additional information).

Dog Wardens

Dog wardens have the power to request your name and address if they suspect you of an offence under the Control of Dogs Act. They also have the power to seize and detain any dog and to enter any premises - other than a dwelling. You are guilty of an offence and can be arrested by a Garda if you obstruct a dog warden in the course of his or her work, refuse to give your name and address or give a false name and address.

You can access the Control of Dogs Legislation online by clicking on the relevant Acts above.
 

Hard copies can be otained by writing to the following address:

Government Publications Sales Office,
Molesworth Street,
Dublin 1.