In Reply to: re: newtraded? posted by Jackobite on December 31, 2007 at 10:52:27:

Council needs to clamp down on stray dogs

Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended by the Control of Dogs (Amendment) 1992 all local authorities in Ireland are responsible for the control of dogs. Cllr Chambers claims local authorities have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.
According to Cllr Chambers the West Mayo Fianna Fail candidate in the next election he is inundated by emails and visits by people who claim their housing estates are out of control with groups of dogs roaming with no one taking responsibility.
Cllr Chambers claims that you can receive an on-the-spot fine if your dog is not under proper control. Stray dogs may be seized by the dog warden and the Gardai and brought to the local dog pound. These dogs may be put down or disposed of if their owners do not claim them within 5 days. If you dog has strayed or is missing, you should contact the local dog pound directly to check whether or not your dog has been picked up. Before you pick up your dog, you will have to pay a re-claim fee and produce a current dog licence
A total of 345 offences regarding dogs in Ireland were recorded by the Gardai in 2005 and a total of 133 offences were detected in that year. Cllr Chambers believes that better control and enforcement of the law is needed in particularly in the urban areas of Mayo. He said there should be zero tolerance to stray dogs. More investment is needed with the appointment of more dog wardens and dog shelters within the county.
Cllr Chambers said that dogs must at all times wear a collar that bears the name and the address of the owner inscribed on it or on a plate, badge or disc as per Irish law. Failure to have identification on a dog can result in an on-the-spot fine issued by a dog warden. He claims that this is not enforced enough due to lack of resources and it is time for Mayo county council to examine this issue so that the people of Mayo can live in a safe and secure environment.

• http://www.ispca.ie/content/lost-whattodo.html