Control of Dogs Regulations Enforcement

Laois County Council regulate the control of dangerous dogs and restricted breeds.

Control of dogs

Laois County Council are responsible for the control of dogs under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. The act gives Local Authorities power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against dog owners.

Dog owners must keep their dog’s under control at all times. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Act that a dog must be under effectual control in public places.

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and a lifetime commitment. The following are your obligations as a responsible dog owner.

Restricted breeds

Restricted breeds - All dogs must be kept under effectual control.  In addition, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 places additional controls on the following specific breeds of dogs:-

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

While in a public place, these above listed dogs or crossbreeds of same, must be

  • Muzzled
  • Lead by a strong lead or chain
  • In the charge of a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them
  • Wearing a collar and identification tags.

 

(XL Bully) Regulations 2024

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 that will introduce the ban on XL Bully type dogs in Ireland. 

From October 1st, 2024, new regulations prohibit the importing, breeding, selling, and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs, and from February 1st, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption. This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner.

The following forms are available to download in relation to the  Control of Dogs (XL BULLY) Regulations. 

  • Application for a Certificate of Exemption Guidelines.
  •  Application for Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully.
  • Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form.

The completed forms should be sent by post or email to 

Email:   environmentadmin@laoiscoco.ie

Postal:  Aras an Chontae,  James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

There will be no fee for the certificate of exemption.

Laois County Council will process the application and send either:

  • A Certificate of Exemption
  • A Letter of Refusal
  • Request for further information should the application be missing any relevant information.

Documentation required for a Certificate of Exemption application

The following documentation should be included with the application.

  1. Copy of valid dog licence.
  2. Copy of microchipping certificate for the dog.
  3. Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form.
  4. Photographic proof of identity (copy of passport, drivers’ licence, public services card etc.); and
  5. Proof of Address (copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous 3 months etc.).

Further information

For more information on restricted breeds please contact Laois Dog Shelter Phone: (057) 873 4067 Email: laoisdogwarden@gmail.com