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Be a responsible dog owner
Dogs are wonderful pets and are loyal and dedicated companions. However, if you are considering taking a dog into your life, or if you already have a dog, it is important that you think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails. Being a dog owner is a huge responsibility – not only will you have responsibilities towards your dog, you will also have responsibilities towards your community.
1. It is every owner’s moral duty and legal responsibility to clean up after their dog. Dog litter is a health hazard and ruins the environment for everyone. Pick up after your dog or face a fine of €150. Pooper scoopers are available free of charge from various outlets throughout the city.
2. Dogs should not be allowed to roam free in public areas, green areas or around neighbourhoods. A dog should be under the effectual control of their owner at all times and must wear a means of identification of the owner, such as a collar with name tag or badge.
3. Dangerous breeds should be kept on a lead and muzzled.
4. Every effort should be made by dog owners to ensure that dogs do not bark for long periods of time, thus causing distress and annoyance to neighbours.
5. All dogs must be licensed and licences must be renewed every year. An annual dog licence currently costs €12.70 and can be purchased from any post office.
6. From August 1st 2008, dogs will not be permitted on Galway City beaches or their waters between the hours of 9 am and 8 pm during the months of May, June, July, August and September.
Before 9 am and after 8 pm during May to September, dogs are permitted on the beach provided they are on a leash and are not causing danger or nuisance. This bye-law relates solely to the Galway City beaches of Salthill, Grattan, Ballyloughane and Silverstrand and to their waters; the Promenade is not affected by its introduction.
A dog warden is on duty at the Ballybane Dog Pound, Tuam Road, Monday to Friday from 9.30 am – 10.30 am and from 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm and is otherwise on patrol throughout the city. Dog control is also monitored by Galway City Council’s community wardens.
Problems in relation to dogs in Galway City should be reported to the Environment Department, Galway City Council on (091) 536400. The contact number for the dog pound is (091) 757094.