Do more on restricted dog breeds - Cllr

Cavan County Council is being asked to do more to highlight the responsibilities that come with owning a dog of a so-called restricted breed.

There are almost a dozen restricted dog breeds listed in Ireland. Owners are required to keep them on a short strong lead, to only let them be handled by a person over the age of 16, keep them muzzled in a public place, and have them wear collars.

Belturbet independent councillor Brendan Fay tabled the motion. When an information brochure on dog ownership produced by the local authority was raised, Cllr Fay said he had not been aware of it and said more needed to be done to share the information to a wider audience.

Cllr Fay said he was aware of some owners of restricted dog breeds who “walk them up and down the street”.

He added: “They think they can do what they want, whenever they want to whoever they want.”

Responding, Director of Services Paddy Connaughton noted that the Department is looking at amending dog control legislation. It’s necessary that a dog in a public place is at all times “kept under effectual control”.

Cllrs Patricia Walsh (FF), Sarah O’Reilly (Aon) and Madeleine Argue (FG) also supported the motion.