Bigger fines for failureto keep dogs on leads?

INCREASED fines could be on the cards for dog owners who fail to keep their pets on a lead in public, according to minister for agriculture Martin Heydon.

The minister was speaking following the launch of a public awareness campaign urging dog owners to take the utmost care and ensure their pets are controlled as the busy lambing season for sheep farmers approaches.

In 2024, there was a 4% increase in the number of livestock worrying incidents reported to local authorities, with the department concerned that there may be significant under-reporting of the issue.

“I’m determined to ensure this critical issue becomes embedded in the consciousness of dog owners and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibility and the significant damage a dog can do to a flock if uncontrolled,” minister Heydon added.

Minister Heydon said the department is currently waiting for the findings of a high-level report on the issue to be shared, with one of the potential recommendations being an increase in fines for people whose dogs are found to be off leads in public, which he would be in favour of.

The initiative has been welcomed by farming groups around the country, with president of the Irish Natural and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) Pheilim Molloy saying: “Concern around dog attacks on sheep is an ongoing issue for INHFA members that we have highlighted and campaigned on over the last number of years.

“As we move into lambing season, it is vital that all dog owners ensure their dogs are controlled both day and night, and we hope this campaign will help instil this message,” he added.

The fine for someone who is deemed not to be in effective control of their dog is €300, which is enforced by local authorities.

Other responsibilities around the control of dogs that fall to local authorities include the appointment of dog wardens, the provision of dog shelters, the seizure of dogs and taking court proceedings against owners.

Last year, the Department of Agriculture provided €2 million in capital funding through the dog control support initiative, with the minister confirming that a further €2 million will be provided during 2026 for additional dog warden recruitment.

In January, The Nationalist reported that the number of dog licences issued by Carlow Co Council had doubled following the hiring of a second dog warden in May 2025. Speaking at the time, the council’s environment officer Liam Carroll said: “These figures show that the additional warden is having a big effect in terms of carrying out compliance checks and carrying out patrols.”