Dogs on a lead in public park

Tim Robbins

Hi,
A few dog (could be cross breeds or mongrels) are roaming free in a local park with their standing by thinking all is ok. Problem is some kids are afraid of the dogs.

Is the law only that they have to be on a lead only applicable to certain breds?

Thanks

3DataModem

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Hi,
A few dog (could be cross breeds or mongrels) are roaming free in a local park with their standing by thinking all is ok. Problem is some kids are afraid of the dogs.

Is the law only that they have to be on a lead only applicable to certain breds?

Thanks

Depends on the park and the time of day. For example St Anne's park allows dogs off leads certain hours of day.

plodder

I think dogs have to be "under control" at all times regardless though. So, if they are being a nuisance even if the park bye-laws allow them to off the lead, then that might still be breaking the law. It's probably a subjective judgment though. Simply children being afraid of them might not meet that criterion. Some breeds must be on a lead and muzzle at all times in public.

Pat Mustard

See here: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1998/si/442/made/en/print

Certain breeds must be muzzled, on a strong leash and controlled by someone over 16, when in a public place.

Tim Robbins

Pat Mustard wrote: »

See here: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1998/si/442/made/en/print

Certain breeds must be muzzled, on a strong leash and controlled by someone over 16, when in a public place.

I saw that but what if it's a big sheep dog or mongrel?

bmwguy

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I saw that but what if it's a big sheep dog or mongrel?

They are not covered by the act unless they are cross breeds with any of the dogs covered by the act. If the local by laws state that dogs are allowed off lead then unless they cause physical harm then the owners are doing nothing wrong, once the owners have sufficient control.

It's a bit of a grey area, people's rights to enjoy the park and let their dogs run around v people's rights not to be afraid (adults and children alike).

A responsible dog owner would be mortified to think their dog was causing distress and take steps not to, personally I understand not everyone wants my Labrador approaching them so unless they are receptive I keep dogs away from them.

Even if it's illegal to have dogs off the lead I would say it's impossible to get anything done about it if the dog has only caused fear and not done anything wrong really

Pat Mustard

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I saw that but what if it's a big sheep dog or mongrel?

Sheep dogs are not mentioned in SI 442/1998.

If the dog is a strain or cross of any of the breeds mentioned in SI442/1998, it is covered:

5. (1) This article shall apply to every:—
(a) American Pit Bull Terrier,
(b) Bull Mastiff,
(c) Doberman Pinscher,
(d) English Bull Terrier,
(e) German Shepherd (Alsatian),
(f) Japanese Akita,
(g) Japanese Tosa,
(h) Rhodesian Ridgeback,
(i) Rottweiler,
(j) Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and
to every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog), and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog described in this article.

(2) A person shall not permit a dog to which this article applies to be in a public place unless such dog is:—
(i) securely muzzled; and
(ii) being led by a sufficiently strong chain or leash, not exceeding two metres in length, by a person over the age of sixteen years who is capable of controlling the said dog.

MarkAnthony

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Problem is some kids are afraid of the dogs.

That's rough OP...







... I'll get my coat.