Control of Dogs
Dog Licence Requirements
Kilkenny County Council is responsible for the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended and regulations made there under for Kilkenny Local Authorities. The Dog Warden Service for Kilkenny is run by ISPCA on behalf of the Council . We share a Dog Shelter with Carlow County Council at Garryduff, Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny and thus is a shared service with Carlow County Council.
It is a legal requirement that if you own a dog to have a Dog Licence. This must be renewed annually. A Dog Licence costs €20 for individual dogs, it can be purchased from any Post Office or from the Environment Section of the County Council. Alternatively a lifetime of dog licence can be purchased for a fee of €140 from the Environment Section of the County Council.
A General Dog Licence costs €400 for an unspecified number of dogs but for a specific address. This must be renewed annually. It can be purchased from the Environment Section of the County Council. All revenue collected from dog licences goes towards funding the Dog Warden Service and Dog Shelter in Garryduff.
The Dog Warden Service is involved in the enforcement of the above legislation i.e. dealing with unwanted dogs e.g. stray dogs, surrendered dogs etc, investigation of sheep kills, assisting Gardai where necessary, dealing with dogs not under effective control e.g. restricted breeds, checking for Dog Licences, witnesses in Court proceedings where necessary, rehoming unwanted dogs etc.
Responsible Dog Ownership
Having a dog as a pet brings many benefits to the owner - companionship, exercise, protection etc. However you should consider the dog needs as well if considering getting a dog. The dog should suit your family circumstances - do you have a large garden, will you have time to walk the dog, can you afford to feed and care for it ,do you have young children etc. If you are considering getting a dog why not give a home to an unwanted dog. The Dog Shelter at Garryduff Paulstown have many unwanted dogs looking for homes. The Dog Shelter staff would be delighted to help you. Click on www.carlowkilkennyds.ie to view dogs which are currently in need of rehoming.
Dog fouling (see leaflet below) is becoming a problem especially in our city environs. Not only is it an unsightly foul smelling mess it can contain parasites e.g. worms and pathogens e.g. Salmonella which contaminates the environment and can cause disease in humans especially children. If you want to prevent your children or your neighbour's contracting these diseases clean up after your dog in public. Always bring a Scoop the Poop or equivalent when bringing your dog for a walk.
You can contact the Dog Warden Service on www.carlowkilkennyds.ie or by telephone 059 9726785.
The following information may prove useful:
Common Diseases passed from Dogs to Humans (including Children)
Sheep Worrying
Control of Dogs Act 1986 (Guard Dogs ) Regulations 1988
