You’re being warned that it is against the law not to have a lead and a muzzle on any dog on the restricted breeds list.
Local Gardaí have issued the warning after what they say is an increasing number of incidents where they themselves have witnessed these dogs out on the streets.
Dogs on the list include Alsatians, American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and Japanese Akitas.
There’s also a law which prevents minors from being in control of these animals.
Sergeant Paul Donoghue says these restrictions are solely in the interest of public safety.
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 impose additional 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
English bull terrier
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
Be muzzled whenever they are in a public place
Wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.
