Responsible Dog Ownership

Being a dog owner is a privilege, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

The following is a summary of your legal responsibilities: 

• It is a legal requirement to have a licence for your dog if they are over 4 months old.
• It is a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped and registered on an approved database.
• It is a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar or name tag with the owner’s name & address.
• A dog should always be under the effective control of their owner and not allowed to roam free in public areas, or areas where they may worry livestock etc.
• It is the moral duty and legal responsibility of an owner to clean up after their dog, and failure to clean up when your dog fouls in a public place is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act.
• Every effort should be made by dog owners to ensure that dogs do not bark for long periods of time, causing distress or annoyance to neighbours.
• Restricted breeds should be kept on a lead or muzzled.
• Dogs should be properly restrained when travelling in vehicles.
• Dog Owners should provide for the proper care of their dog, including food, clean water, shelter, veterinary care, and proper training and socialisation.   

Your dog is your responsibility. 

Whatever they do, it’s not your dog’s fault.

It’s yours….

Check out this national responsible dog ownership leaflet compiled in partnership between the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, the Department f Rural and Community Development and Local Authorities: Responsible Dog Ownership leaflet