Stray Animal Controls
Control of Dogs
Every dog owner is responsible for ensuring that their dog(s):
a. is licensed,
b. is identifiable – wears a collar with name and address of owner attached.
c. is under control at all times.
It is irresponsible and cruel to abandon a dog or allow it to wander at large. A stray dog is a potential risk to livestock, road traffic and the general public. If you can no longer care for your dog please try to rehome it (Contact Dog Warden Service – Tel 061 30 16 04 , Limerick Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Tel 061 41 56 18). If all else fails the most humane thing is to have the dog put to sleep.
The owner of an unlicensed/out of control dog is liable to an On-The-Spot-Fine of €32 or prosecution. A dog licence may be purchased at any Post Office or Limerick County Council Headquarters, County Hall, Dooradoyle, Newcastle West, Annacotty, Kilmallock and Croom Area Offices for €12.70. A General Dog licence covering any number of dogs kept at a named premises costs €253.95.
Further provisions under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986-1992 include:
- The muzzling and leashing of named breeds whenever in a public place i.e Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Bull Terriers etc.
- The registration of guard dog kennels (currently kennels with accommodation for more than 5 guard dogs must be registered with the local authority).
- The micro chipping of guard dogs kept on certain types of premises and in particular circumstances.
The Dog Warden Service dealt with 1,514 stray/unwanted dogs in 2004. Of these 29 dogs were reclaimed by their owners, 311 were re-homed(40% increase on 2003) and the remainder were put to sleep. All stray dogs are kept for a minimum of 5 days during which they can be reclaimed by their owners. Anybody wishing to re-home a dog or who wishes to surrender an unwanted dog should contact the Dog Warden Service at 061 30 16 04.
Prospective dog owners should be aware that ownerships entails being responsible for the proper care and maintenance of the animal and that there is a financial cost involved. However a dog can indeed “be a man’s best friend” and can bring great pleasure and enjoyment to its owner
Application Form available: Registration of Guard Dog Kennel(PDF Format) Control of Horses
Bye Laws introduced under the control of Horses Act 1996 prohibit the keeping of a horse without a current licence issued by Limerick County Council. Exemptions to the above include:
- Owners with in excess of 5 acres of agricultural land, owned or leased, on which the horse is kept.
- Owners whose animal is registered with a riding club approved by Limerick County Council.
- Owners of thoroughbred horses.
Applications for a Horse Licence must be made using the appropriate Application Form and accompanied by the prescribed fee of €31.74. A licence will not be granted unless facilities for the proper care and maintenance of the horse are available. The horses must be identifiable by means of an approved microchip implanted in its neck.
Limerick County Council seized and detained 32 stray horses in 2004(20% reduction on 2003). Horses are held at a private Pound in Cork for a minimum of 5 days pending reclamation by their owners.
Application Form available: Application for a Horse Licence (PDF Format)
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