044-9332226
You are Here: Our Services > Environment > Veterinary Services > Control of Animals
Control of Animals
Dog Control
The Control of Dogs Act was introduced with the aim of reducing the numbers of stray dogs and to promote responsible dog ownership by means of licensing etc. Westmeath County Council is responsible for the control of dogs and has one dog warden.
The council operates a Dog Shelter and it is located at:
Zone C,
Mullingar Business Park,
Clonmore,
Mullingar.
Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Friday: 10.00am- 12.00am
Tel: 044 93 43934
Visit the Mullingar Dog Shelter Facebook page
Dog Licencing:
All dogs over four months must have a licence. A dog licence costs €20 and can be purchased at your local Post Office or on line at:http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/doglicences/
The cost of a "Lifetime of Dog Licence" is €140 and can be purchased from your Local County Council or on line: http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/doglicences/
The cost of a "General Dog Licence" for owners of multiple dogs is €400 and can be purchased from your Local County Council or on line: http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/doglicences/
A dog licence is valid for 12 months and you must be over 16 years of age to hold a dog licence.
Excessive Dog Barking:
Excessive dog barking that causes a nuisance can be a legal offence. If you are bothered by persistent barking, talk to the owner of the dog and if this fails then you can lodge an official complaint with your local District Court under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998. You will be given a date when your complaint will be heard in the District Court and a copy of a Form No. 5. On this form you write the dog owner's name and the date & time when your complaint is to be heard in the District Court. You then sign & date the form and give it to the dog's owner 7 days before your complaint is due to be heard in the District Court. The dog's owner has this time to resolve the problem.
The District Court can:
- Make an order requiring the reduction of excessive barking by the dog/s or
- Can limit the number of dogs that can be kept on the premises or
- Can direct that the dog/s be delivered to the dog warden as an unwanted dog.
New Dog Regulations
Do you keep 6 or more female dogs?
If yes, then you need to read this!
On 1 January 2012, new dog regulations came into force in Ireland. The regulations apply if you keep 6 or more female dogs which are more than 6 months old and are capable of breeding.
You may need to act now!
You should contact Westmeath County Council to check if you are covered by these regulations. The legislation in question is the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The regulations may cover dogs even when they are not used for, or never will be used for breeding purposes. Westmeath County Council will clarify if you are covered by the regulations. Anyone who is covered by the new regulations will need to register with Westmeath County Council and ensure that their premises conform to the guidelines issued as part of the regulations. The deadline for existing Establishments is 30th June, 2012.
Contact the Dog Control Section of Westmeath County Council.
Failure to register with Westmeath County Council is an offence under the regulations
Dog Warden duties:
- Seizing of stray dogs. Dogs involved in sheep worrying may be shot by the flock-owner or may be seized and put down by the dog warden. The dog-owner is liable for damages in cases where sheep are killed or injured.
- Dog licence inspection
- Care of seized dogs
- Re-homing of dogs
- Liaising with members of the public regarding stray/dangerous/uncontrolled dogs.
Dog-owners responsibilities:
- Keep their dog/s under control in a public place.
- Dogs must wear a collar and tag bearing the name and address of the owner.
- Certain breeds of potentially dangerous dogs must be kept on a short strong leash and muzzled whenever they are in a public place.
- A person in charge of a dog must clean up when the dog fouls in a public place. Owners who fail to do so are liable to an 'on-the-spot' of €150
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bull Mastiff
- Dobermann Pinscher
- English Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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 above.
Download It
- How to be a Better Dog Owner
- Charges (Horse & Dog Pound)
- Dangers of Dog Fouling
- Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010
- Application to register a Dog Breeding Establishment
- Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines
Horse Control
Stray Horses can be seized by Westmeath County Council.
Reasons for seizure are as follows:
- If horses are wandering on public land.
- If horses are on private land without permission from the landowner.
- If horses cause danger to property or persons.
- If horses cause a nuisance.
A horse includes donkey, mule and hinny.
Horses that are impounded/seized:
Horses that have been seized are detained at the Council's horse pound in Mullingar. A detailed description of the horse is taken and it is scanned for a microchip. This is for identification purposes. The owner (if known) will be notified. Otherwise, a notice is displayed in a public place (usually a Garda Station) detailing the horse(s) seized and stating that if not claimed within 5 days the horses will be disposed of as the council sees fit.
Release conditions for impounded horses:
Owners are required to produce a horse passport for each horse impounded including a letter from the landowner. A release fee for each horse must be paid click, Charges (Horse & Dog Pound)
