Dog Control

Dog Warden Service

Waterford County Council employs one full-time Dog Warden, Mr. Ollie Walsh to carry out its obligations under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 in the county area.  Under the Act, every dog must be licensed and kept under effective control and must have a collar bearing the owner’s name and address. Failure to do so can result in on-the-spot fines of €30 and further court fines of up to €1,269.

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 impose additional restrictions on the following breeds of dog or on strains or crosses of these breeds which have been designated as Restricted Breeds.

  • Dog Control 1 American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • English Bull Terrier
  • German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Japanese Akita
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Bandog




Dog Control 2 These dogs and strains or crosses of them are subject by law to the following restrictions when in a public place:

  • must be securely muzzled

  • must be led on a sufficiently strong chain or leash not greater than 2 metres in length by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog

  • must have a collar bearing the name and address of the owner (this applies to all dogs)

These restrictions do not apply to dogs used by the Gardai, Harbour Police, Airport Police, Customs & Excise Service, Rescue teams or Guide Dogs for the Blind.

You need a licence for your dog

A Dog Licence costs €12.70 and must be renewed each year. An on-the-spot fine of €30 may be issued by the Dog Warden to any dog owner unable to produce an up-to-date licence. Licences may be purchased at any Post Office. However, a General Dog Licence for 20 or more dogs may only be purchased at the General Post Office in Dublin at a cost of €253.95.  The Dog Warden carries out ongoing licence checks in all areas on a regular basis.

You must keep your dog under effective control

An on-the-spot fine of  €30 may be issued to any dog-owner who fails to keep his/her dog under effective control while outside their own premises.

Your dog must have ID
Every dog must have a collar with the owner’s name and address inscribed on a disc or on a badge . Failure to do this may result in an on-the-spot fine of €30.

You must clean up after your dogdog leaflet thumb

Dog dirt is smelly, sticky, disgusting and can cause disease. Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003, dog-owners are required to clean up after their dog fouls in a public place such as public roads, footpaths, parks and beaches.  Failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of €150.  It is as easy as taking a bag with you every time you walk your dog in a public place. Simply place the bag over the faeces and lift it while pulling the bag downwards with your other hand. Tie a knot in the bag and dispose of in a litter bin or take it home for disposal. Alternatively, Pooper Scoopers are available free of charge in all County Council offices.

For more information on Dog Fouling, click on image entitled ‘ Dog Dirt causes Disease’ on the right.



Dog Dirt Causes Disease (adobe .pdf, 78 kbs)

What happens to Stray Dogs?

Stray dogs collected by the Dog Warden are delivered to the Waterford Dog Shelter in Bilberry, Gracedieu which is within Waterford city limits and is operated by Waterford City Council to serve both the city and county areas. The Poundkeeper is Ms.Kate Wall.                                                         

If you have lost your dog, wish to re-home a dog or wish to surrender a dog, please contact Waterford Dog Shelter on :

051 – 872247  or e-mail : dogshelter@waterfordcity.ie

Opening Hours :
11am -  4pm   Monday to Friday
11am  - 1pm   Saturday


During 2008 a total of 222 dogs were collected from the county area. 183 were strays while 39 were surrendered by their owners.  108 dogs out of the total i.e. 49% were either re-claimed or re-homed while 118 dogs i.e. 53% were humanely euthanised. These figures compare well nationally being better than average for re-homing/re-claiming and lower than average for euthanasia.


Responsible Dog Ownership

Responsible Dog Ownership Owning a dog is a big responsibility and should not be entered into lightly. Whether you already own a dog or are considering getting a dog, you should consider the following points :

  • Choose a dog that is right for you and your circumstances. Different breeds and ages of dog will have different requirements  in relation to exercise, space, food, grooming, veterinary attention etc.

  • Vaccinate your dog and don’t forget a booster vaccination every year following the initial vaccination.  This will protect your dog against potentially fatal canine diseases such as Parvovirus or Distemper.

  • Worm your dog regularly. Every 3 months is recommended. This will prevent worms such as Toxocara which can cause disease in dogs and more importantly in humans particularly young children.

  • Buy a licence for your dog at your local post office and renew it annually.

  • Have your dog neutered (whether male or female) if you do not intend to breed from it.  Most veterinary practices operate the Dogs’ Trust Subsidised Neutering Scheme for those receiving Social Welfare benefits.

  • Dog Control 3 Ensure your dog gets appropriate exercise.

  • Ensure your dog is fed appropriately and that clean water is always available.

  • Ensure your dog has appropriate shelter.

  • Clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place.

  • Keep your dog under control at all times.

  • Ensure your dog has a collar with your name and address on it. If your dog gets lost, this will help re-unite you with your pet.


 
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