Dog fines
You may be subject to a dog fine if you commit one of the offences below. You can be issued with an on-the-spot fine by a litter warden or dog warden appointed by your local authority or by a member of the Gardaí.
If you are convicted of an offence, you may also be required by the court to pay the local authority's costs and expenses investigating the offence and incurred in bringing the prosecution.
List of offences, fines and penalties
| Offence | Fines | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| No dog licence | On-the-spot fine: €100 paid to Laois County Council | Failure to pay on-the-spot fines can lead to prosecution in District Court with a maximum fine of €2,500 and/or 3 months' imprisonment |
| No identification on dog | On-the-spot fine: €100 paid to Laois County Council | Failure to pay on-the-spot fines can lead to prosecution in District Court with a maximum fine of €2,500 and/or 3 months' imprisonment |
| Stray dog | Dog shelter re-claim fee of €20 or more depending on the duration of the dogs stay in the shelter. | The shelter will hold a dog for at least 5 days. Dogs not re-claimed from the dog shelter within 5 days may be put down, re-homed or transferred to an animal welfare group. |
| Dog not kept under control | On-the-spot fine of €100 paid to Laois County Council | Failure to pay on-the-spot fines can lead to prosecution in District Court with a maximum fine of €2,500 and/or 3 months' imprisonment |
| Breach of bye-laws (setting out times when dog may be unleashed in public) | Fines up to €2,500 on conviction. | |
| Dog fouling public place | Owners/handlers who do not dispose of dog faeces in a responsible manner may receive an on-the-spot fine of €150. | Failure to pay on-the-spot fines can lead to prosecution in District Court with a maximum fine of €4,000 and €600 per day for continuing offences on summary conviction |
How do I pay a dog fine?
Payment of dog fines can be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Credit card, Debit card, Cheque or Postal Order. Cash should not be sent by post
Contact Cash Office on 057 867 4308 to pay over the phone from 9.30am up to 12.30pm Monday to Friday.
All payments can be made to:
Laois County Council
Aras an Chontae
Portlaoise
Laois
Further information
For more information phone the environment section at 057 866 4000 or email environmentadmin@laoiscoco.ie