Responsible Dog Ownership
Key Responsibilities of every DOG OWNER:
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All dog owners must keep their dogs under effectual control in public places - this generally means keeping your dog on a lead when in a public place.
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All dog owners must have a licence for each dog in their possession or a general dog licence to cover all dogs in their possession - you can purchase a dog licence from the Post Office or from your local authority.
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All dog owners must ensure that every dog under their control shall at all times wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner and that the name and address are legible
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All dog owners owning purebred or crossbred dogs belonging to certain breeds e.g Rottweilers, Bull Terriers etc, must ensure that these dogs are securely muzzled and on a strong leash not more than 2 metres in length when in a public place. See the full list of breeds below.
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All dog owners must collect and properly dispose of faeces deposited by their dog in a public place.
By law, if you own a dog, you must have a dog licence. You must have a collar or harness on your dog with your contact details on it.
It is a legal requirement that all dogs are accompanied and kept under ‘effectual control’, it is recommended to keep your dog on a lead in public spaces.
What does effectual control of your dog mean?
This means that you have complete control over your dog's movements. In general, this can only be guaranteed by keeping your dog on a lead. If your dog is on the restricted breeds list or a crossbred dog belonging to one of the breeds listed below, effectual control means that the lead must be a strong lead no more than 2 metres in length and that your dog is also securely muzzled.
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, S.I. 442/1998 set out additional requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, must comply with.
If you have any of the restricted dog breeds (listed below) or strains and crosses of any of the dogs on the restricted list they must be:
- kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them.
- muzzled whenever they are in a public place.
- wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.
The restricted dogs are:
- English Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Mastiff
- Dobermann Pinscher
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Bandog
Fines effective from 1 December 2023
Offence |
Relevant section |
New fine amount |
Keeping or transferring possession of a dog contrary to section 2 of the Act |
Section 27(1)(a) |
€150 |
Dog not in effectual control |
Section 27(1)(b) contrary to Section 9(1) |
€300 |
Greyhound not properly controlled |
Section 27 (1) (b) contrary to Section 10 |
€250 |
Stray dog found and not dealt with in the correct manner |
Section 27 (1) (b) contrary to subsection (1) or (2) of Section 13 |
€150 |
No dog licence |
Section 27(1)(c) |
€150 |
Restricted dog not properly controlled |
Section 27 (1)(f) contrary to Article 5 of the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 |
€300 |
No / incorrect collar / ID |
Section 27 (1)(f) contrary to Article 6 of the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 |
€200 |
Dog Licensing
Do you have a dog? If so, you need a licence. Buy one at any of An Post - Post Offices countrywide or online at www.licences.ie
Click here to buy or renew a Dog LIcence
How does it work?
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, which was amended in 1992, all dog owners are required to have a dog licence.
To get your Dog Licence all you need to do is drop into your local Post Office where you can buy it over the counter or visit licences.ie.
What type of licence do you need?
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Individual dog licence – covers one dog for a period of 12 months
- General dog licence – for owners of kennels for a period of 12 months
- Lifetime of the dog licence – for the lifetime of the dog for which the licence is issued
Most people will need the individual licence. You have to be over 16 years of age to hold a dog licence.
Where do I get a Dog Licence?
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Individual dog licences at your local An Post - Post Office or online at www.licences.ie
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Lifetime licences at your local An Post - Post Office or online at www.licences.ie
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General licences are available from Kildare County Council directly - Tel.: 045 980588
Dogs which do not require a licence
Guide dogs for the blind do not require licensing
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Dogs which are in the country for less than 30 days do not require licensing.
Some breeds have specific regulations
The breed of dog is not considered important, but some breeds have specific regulations about leashing, muzzling, etc, in public places.
If you are getting a rescue dog from an animal shelter or charity, you will usually need to have the licence in advance.
Licence Fee
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Individual €20.00
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General €400.00
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Lifetime €140.00
What next?
Retain your licence for inspection.
The Council’s Dog Warden Service is based at Portersize, Ballitore - Tel: (059) 8623388
Environment Department, Kildare County Council - Tel: (045) 980588
Email: customerservice@kildarecoco.ie
What about Refunds
There is no provision in the Control of Dogs legislation for refund of dog licence fee once the transaction is completed.
Dog Breeding Establishments registered in Kildare (as of 31st July 2020 to date)
No. | Address |
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KE001 | Loughharbour, Athy, Co. Kildare |
KE002 | Punchestown, Naas, Co. Kildare |
KE003 | Bishophill, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare |