Dog Licences

 

Under the control of Dogs Act 1986
if you have a dog over 4 months old,
you MUST have a dog licence for it.
You must be aged over 16 years to get the licence.
The licence is valid for one year only from the date of
issue and can be purchased at any post office.

If you do not have a licence for your dag,
you are liable to a small fine.
If you don't pay this fine you can recieve a larger
fine and/or recieve a 3 month prison sentance if convicted.

New rules for indentification tags on dogs
were introduced in Feb 1999.
When a dog is in public the owner must
ensure it wears a collar.
The collar, or tag or disc attached to it,
must include the owner's name and address.
You can be fined for owning a dog which
does not have an identification tag.

 

Dog Fouling

Dog owners cause a health hazard by not removing
dog faeces from public places.
Dog faeces carry an infection known as toxocariasis,
caused by reoundworms in the dog's intestine.
Children are most commonly affected by toxocariasis
as they are the most likely to handle contaminated soil.

The Litter Pollution Act 1997 requires
dog owners to clean up after their pets
if they foul in public places.
There is an on-the-spot fine,
which if it is not paid,
can lead to a prosecution with a much larger penelty.

Guide dogs for the blind and dogs used by the Gardi and Customs and Excise are exempted from all these rules.

Dog fouling in public places is hazardous and unsanitary,
and the problem makes up most complaints
about dogs to Dublin Corporation.

 

In Hot Weather

Caring for animals in hot weather is IMPORTANT.

All animals need a constant supply of fresh drinking water.

Dogs have no sweat glands and can only lose heat by panting. Make sure they have plenty of water to help
them cool down. Check and fill their water bowl regularly.

Don't excerice dogs in the heat of the day.
First thing in the morning, late afternoon or
evenings are the best times.

Watch for warning signs. If your dog pants quickly,
looks very tired or collapses, it could be
suffering from heat stroke.

Put it in a cool, shady spot and spray the back
of its neck with cold water immediately.
Contact a vet for further advice.

 

Please remember never leave an animal alone
in a car in warm or sunny weather,
even in the shade or with the window partly opened.
Temperatures soon soar.

 

If your pets living quaters is outside,
keep their living quaters in the shade.
You must also cover the front of their living quaters
with newspaper as they can heat up very quickly.

All animlas even if indoors,
should be kept out of direct sunlight.