'Dog owners must take responsibility' - On the spot dog fines will TRIPLE from December

On-the-spot fines for serious dog control offences are set to triple as part of new measures. 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, today (November 9) announced a suite of measures to enhance dog controls.

Minister Humphreys confirmed the signing of regulations which will see on the spot fines for more serious offences under the Control of Dogs Act increase from €100 to €300. 

These new fines will come into effect on December 1, 2023: 

She also announced the establishment of a €2 million Fund to upgrade local authority dog shelter facilities and vehicles nationwide, and confirmed a high-level stakeholder group will be asked to consider expanding the list of Ireland's restricted dog breeds. 

This comes in the wake of recent incidents involving dog attacks, which the Department of Rural and Community Development called "worrying". 

Minister Humphreys stated, "Dogs can be a wonderful addition to a family or farm, however dog owners must take responsibility to ensure their dogs do not cause harm or nuisance to people or property.

"Recent events have again highlighted the dangers posed by dogs and my thoughts are very much with those recovering following these horrific experiences." 

She continued: "So today, I am pleased to announce that I have signed regulations to triple on-the-spot fines under the Control of Dogs Act for more serious offences.

“I want to send a strong message to dog owners – if your dog is not controlled you will be fined. And if you own a restricted dog, you must comply with the regulations.”

The Minister also warned dog owners that multiple fines can apply, for example a restricted dog without muzzle, collar or dog licence may attract three separate fines. 

Explaining the remit of the high level stakeholder group, the Minister said, “I recognise there is a wide variety of opinions in relation to how we as a country address issues of dog control and the very real public concern over dog attacks.

“For that reason, I have set up a high level stakeholder group comprising a range of sectoral interests and experts to advise on the most appropriate responses.

"While not pre-empting the work of the group, I do note decisions taken by the UK in terms of restricting certain dangerous breeds by the end the year.

“I think it is only appropriate that our own stakeholder group consider the merits of adopting a similar approach here, particularly in light of recent worrying incidents whereby people and livestock have been attacked.” 

Two million euro in Dog Control Support Initiative funding will also be provided to Local Authorities to upgrade their dog pounds and shelter facilities, and to move towards cleaner, electric vehicles for dog wardens. 

It comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services, particularly as the number of strays and surrenders continues to increase. 

Minister Humphreys said, "We all know the difficult role dog control personnel play in our communities and the increased pressures they are facing as they deal with large numbers of stray and unwanted dogs. 

“The Report of the Working Group on Dog Control published in March made far-reaching recommendations in relation to dog control legislation, policy and related issues.

“I am looking forward to continuing to collaborate with our colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as we work to implement the recommendations.”

Although no breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland, the following breeds are on the restricted list: 

·       American Pit Bull Terrier

·       Bull Mastiff

·       Doberman Pinscher

·       English Bull Terrier

·       German Shepherd (Alsatian)

·       Japanese Akita

·       Japanese Tosa

·       Rhodesian Ridgeback

·       Rottweiler

·       Staffordshire Bull Terrier

·       Dog of type known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog)