Storm Éowyn Response
Work to address storm damage will continue throughout the weekend by Laois County Council crews.
Emergency calls should be directed to 999 or 112.
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Laois County Council regulate the control of dangerous dogs and restricted breeds.
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 - 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:-
While in a public place, these above listed dogs or crossbreeds of same, must be
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.
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:
The following documentation should be included with the application.
For more information on restricted breeds please contact Laois Dog Shelter Phone: (057) 873 4067 Email: laoisdogwarden@gmail.com