Dangerous Dogs muzzle control Laws Ireland

Sceala Philosopher Location: Navan

We keep German shepherds and have always muzzled them. Any responsible and educated dog owner would muzzle their dogs in public at all times.
Following a rise in dog attacks and nuisances, people in Ireland are becoming more aware of the laws regarding dogs in public. There are legal requirements for all dog owners, laws that are designed to help control dogs and prevent attacks and disturbances.
This article deals specifically with muzzle laws in Ireland applicable to certain types of dogs and breeds of dogs in public.
The control of Dogs law in Ireland and muzzle control Laws Ireland. Many dog owners and members of the public are unaware of these specific Irish dog control laws.
The Law in Ireland - what dogs must be muzzled at all times in public.
These laws and rules relate to certain breeds of dog
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 442 of 1998) impose additional rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog in Ireland:

All the following breeds of dog - and strains -and cross breeds of same
Must be kept on a short strong lead and must be muzzled at all times in public in Ireland.

American Pit Bull Terrier
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English Bull Terrier
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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Bull Mastiff
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Dobermann Pinscher
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German Shepherd (Alsatian)
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
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Rottweiler
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Japanese Akita
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Japanese Tosa
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Bandog

to every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog), and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog described in this article.

The Law on these dogs in Ireland
All the above dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be
1.Kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them
2. Must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place
3. Must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.

Anyone breaking the laws on the control of Dogs in Ireland faces a fine and possible prison sentence.

Members of the public who notice out of control dogs, should - note details of any offender, description of owner and type of dog, their car registration etc, and report the incident to their local Garda.
It is especially important that the public report to the Garda those owners who have not muzzled any controlled dogs - as defined in Irish control of dogs laws in public. These dog control laws apply to all public areas in the Republic of Ireland.
Because some of these breeds of dogs tend to attract both immature and aggressive owners - among the responsible, and because the unmuzzled dog could attack you - it would be unwise to approach the owner. Just phone the Garda and let them question and deal with the dog owner. It is the job of the Garda to protect the public. Do not forget to follow up on your report, ask the Garda what action was taken.

In a ideal Ireland, all dogs should be muzzled when in public.
Even for those ignorant dog owners who think they know best and would never muzzle their dogs. The fact is a muzzle is a selfish act, it will help prevent a dog from harm. For your dogs own health and safety, you should muzzle them.
Whatever the breed of dog muzzle them, whenever you go out for a walk or when your dog is not in a secure and private area. Many instances of fatal dog poisonings and injury occur when curious dogs are out in public.
Chocolate - for smaller breeds, just half an ounce of baking chocolate can be fatal, while a larger dog might survive eating 4 to 8 ounces. A bar of chocolate dropped on the floor could kill your dog. Coffee and caffeine have similarly dangerous chemicals to dogs. Alcohol, Avocado, certain nuts, Grapes and raisins, certain artificial sweeteners can all be potentially fatal to any dog, even in ingested in small quantity.
How can you be sure what your dog is just about to consume when ever you let it loose and unmuzzled.

The Law in Ireland - what dogs must be muzzled at all times in public.
These laws and rules relate to certain breeds of dog
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 442 of 1998) impose additional rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog in Ireland:

All the following breeds of dog - and strains -and cross breeds of same must be muzzled at all times in public in Ireland.

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
to every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog), and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog described in this article.

The Law on these dogs in Ireland
All the above dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be
1.Kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them
2. Must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place
3. 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.
Penalties

Every local authority has the power to introduce bye-laws relating to dog control in your area. You should be aware that the penalties include both on the spot fines and prison listed below are a guide - fines in your area may be higher.
Control of Dogs Regulations
Dangerous Dogs muzzle control Laws Ireland

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