Council plans crackdown on nuisance dogs after 8,000 complaints received
Jim Buckley, the council’s chief veterinary officer, said that on average 180 calls a week were received from angry members of the public complaining about out-of-control dogs.
Dog fouling in particular is still a major problem, especially as it is estimated that 9.9 dogs per 100,000 carry Toxocara — a virus which can blind children if they come in contact with contaminated faeces.
Other complaints include dogs barking loudly and consistently at night, and restricted species such as Pit Bull Terriers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks which are not muzzled by their owners.
Catherine Keohane, senior staff officer with the council’s veterinary department, said that 32,000 dog licences were issued in the county last year, but there were probably another 13,000 unlicensed. At €12.70 per head per year, that represents a loss in revenue of €165,100.
“We have printed 60,000 copies entitled Responsible Dog Ownership, which are being distributed to vets, schools, garda stations, libraries and post offices.
“We will also be sending out these brochures to every owner with reminders about renewing their licences,” Ms Keohane said.
Edmund O’Sullivan, an expert veterinary officer, said dogs weren’t the problem but rather their owners, who don’t act responsibly towards their pets and to other members of the community.
The council has 12 dog wardens and five full-time veterinary officers and Ms Keohane said that while she hoped the new brochure would have a positive effect, it is also envisaged that tougher enforcement will come into play.
The brochure outlines vaccinating, worming, sterilising and house-training dogs. It also outlines specific legal responsibilities for owners, including the fact restricted breeds cannot be taken into a public place by anybody aged under 16.
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