Dogs

  • What are the responsibilities of Dog Owners?

    Galway City Council seeks to promote responsible dog ownership - the basis of which is licensing and control of dogs.

    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 at various public locations throughout the city and at City Hall, College Road, Galway.

    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. For more information on dangerous breeds please view: What are the regulations about certain breeds of dogs question and answer further down?)

    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. An annual dog licence currently costs €20 and can be purchased from any post office.

    For more information about purchasing a dog licence from An Post, please click here.

    6. As of August 1st 2008, dogs are not 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.

    7. New Regulations have been introduced providing for the microchipping and registration of all dogs by the 31st March 2016.
    You must contact your veterinary practice, or search a compliant dog database for a non-veterinary implanter that has received the correct training as laid out in the Regulations.
    An owner must ensure that the implanter is using a compliant microchip, and that the microchip will be registered to a compliant database.

    View the dog control bye-laws for Galway City

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  • Do I need a Dog Licence?

    If you have a dog over 4 months old, you are legally required to have a licence for the dog.

    Guide dogs for the blind and dogs that are in the country for less than 30 days do not require licensing.

    Please find below a table of the different dog licence types, costs and where the licence can be purchased.

    Dog Licence Rates

    Type of Dog Licence Cost Purchase From
    Standard Individual Dog Licence €20  Online (See instructions below) or at any Post Office
    General dog licences for multiple dogs (e.g. kennels) €400  Local Authority
    Lifetime Dog licence €140  Online (See instructions below) or at any Post Office

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  • What is the cost of a Dog Licence?

    Please find below a table of the different dog licence types, costs and where the licence can be purchased.

    Dog Licence Rates

    Type of Dog Licence Cost Purchase From
    Standard Individual Dog Licence €20  Online (See instructions below) or at any Post Office
    General dog licences for multiple dogs (e.g. kennels) €400  Local Authority
    Lifetime Dog licence €140  Online (See instructions below) or at any Post Office

    If you have a dog over 4 months old, you are legally required to have a licence for the dog.

    Guide dogs for the blind and dogs that are in the country for less than 30 days do not require licensing.

    To Purchase online follow the steps below.

    • 1. By clicking on the link for the required licence type, you will be brought to Licences.ie and asked to sign in or register for an account to continue
    • 2. If you don’t already have an account select Register and complete the short registration form and click the Register button
    • 3. You will receive an Account Activation email. Click on the Activate button in this email. You will be brought directly to the application form you selected
    • 4. Complete the form. Please note all compulsory fields, marked with a red asterisk, must be completed before you can pay for and submit your application
    • 5. When you submit the form and pay you will receive a confirmation email notification
    • 6. Your licence should issue to you by post within 10 working days
    • 7. A copy of your application is available to view by clicking My Applications

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  • What are dog owner's responsibilities re. Dog Fouling?

    It is every dog owner's moral duty and legal responsibility to clean up after their dog.

    Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. This means the owner/person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of them in a suitable, sanitary manner.

    The owner/person in charge should ensure that they carry a dog waste bag with them at all times and dispose of it in a proper manner.

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  • How do I contact a Dog Warden/Dog Pound?

  • A dog warden is on duty at the Ballybane Dog Pound, Tuam Road, Galway, Monday to Friday from 9.30 am - 10.30 am and from 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm. Outside of these times, the warden may be on patrol in the city.
    The Dog Pound can be contacted on (091) 536400.

    The Dog Warden

    • checks dog licences
    • investigates complaints about dangerous and uncontrolled dogs
    • operates the dog pound

    Dog control is also monitored by Galway City Council's community wardens.

    The powers of dog wardens include the power to request the name and address of a person where there are reasonable grounds for believing the person is committing, or has committed, an offence under the dog control legislation; to seize and detain any dog and to enter any premises (other than a dwelling), for the purpose of such seizure or detention. It is an offence to impede or obstruct a dog warden in carrying out his/her duties.

    View Map of Dog Pound Location

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  • Can I purchase a dog from the Dog Pound?

    Dogs may be purchased from the Pound for €65.

    (Note: Photo ID and Utility Bill required for registration of Micro-Chip)

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  • What happens if my dog is impounded?

    There is a basic charge of:

    • a) €50 to recover an Unlicenced Dog
    • b) €30 to recover a Licensed Dog

    Along with €10 per Night of a shelter Rate(Max 5 Nights) & Any Veterinary Fees that may be applicable.

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  • Are dogs allowed on beaches?

    Since August 1st 2008, dogs are not 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

    View the dog control bye-laws for Galway City

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  • What can I do about barking dogs?

    Excessive dog barking that causes a nuisance is an offence. If possible, you should approach the person or business that owns the dog to explain the issue and try to resolve the matter. If this is not possible, a complaint about excessive barking should be made to the District Court. To do this, you must first inform the dog owner in writing of your intention to submit a complaint to the District Court.

    For more information on Noise Regulations and how to submit a noise complaint please visit www.citizensinformation.ie.

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  • What are the regulations about certain breeds of dogs?

    The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 impose rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog:

    • American pit bull terrier
    • English bull terrier
    • Staffordshire bull terrier
    • Bull mastiff
    • Dobermann pinscher
    • German shepherd (Alsatian)
    • Rhodesian ridgeback
    • Rottweiler
    • Japanese akita
    • Japanese tosa
    • Bandog

    The rules state that:

    • These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them
    • These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place
    • These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.

    The rules on muzzling and leashing do not apply to dogs used by the Gardaí, the Dublin Harbour Police, State Airport Police and bona fide rescue teams in rescue operations. The rules on muzzling do not apply to guide dogs for the blind.

    Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed.

  • What are the Dog Control Bye-Laws for Galway City?

    View the dog control bye-laws for Galway City

  • Other Useful Links:

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  • Can I surrender a Dog to Galway City Council Dog Pound?

    An Unlicenced Dog can be surrendered for a Fee of €50 & a Licenced Dog can be surrendered for a fee of €25
    (N.B. Copy of Licence Required)

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