Is it required to have a dog on a lead?

zeds alive · 04-10-2010 9:18am #1

There is a guy near me who walks his Rottweiler and 2 German Sheppard's
on the streets without any leads , Is he required to have them on a lead and if so who can I report him to for not doing it?

kylith · 04-10-2010 10:04am

As they are restricted breeds they are required to be on lead and muzzled in public places, and you can report him if he's not doing that.

seamus · 04-10-2010 10:07am

Would it not be easier to go talk to the guy and ask him to keep his dogs on the lead if you're concerned about them being off the lead?

Shenshen · 04-10-2010 10:24am

seamus wrote: »

Would it not be easier to go talk to the guy and ask him to keep his dogs on the lead if you're concerned about them being off the lead?

I can't speak for the OP, but I most certainly wouldn't approach anyone surrounded by a rottweiler and 2 German shepards...

toadfly · 04-10-2010 10:25am

Shenshen wrote: »

I can't speak for the OP, but I most certainly wouldn't approach anyone surrounded by a rottweiler and 2 German shepards...

Why? Would you say the same if it was a poodle and two labs?

DBCyc · 04-10-2010 10:34am

Shenshen wrote: »

I can't speak for the OP, but I most certainly wouldn't approach anyone surrounded by a rottweiler and 2 German shepards...

Ah FFS

Shenshen · 04-10-2010 10:44am

TillyGirl wrote: »

Why? Would you say the same if it was a poodle and two labs?

Yes.
I don't go anywhere near dogs that aren't on a leash, I've made some very, very bad experiences there.
The only breeds I would except maybe are those who can't open their mouths wide enough to bite.

seamus · 04-10-2010 10:46am

Well he is free to knock on the guy's door rather than approach him on the street.

toadfly · 04-10-2010 10:48am

Shenshen wrote: »

Yes.
I don't go anywhere near dogs that aren't on a leash, I've made some very, very bad experiences there.
The only breeds I would except maybe are those who can't open their mouths wide enough to bite.

Thats fair enough but in that case there was no need to bring the breeds into it.

Shenshen · 04-10-2010 11:03am

TillyGirl wrote: »

Thats fair enough but in that case there was no need to bring the breeds into it.

Er... what? The OP mentioned the breeds, I just repeated what he said. Why would the breeds make any difference? They are big dogs, they cause big wounds. Simple as.

seamus · 04-10-2010 11:07am

Shenshen wrote: »

Er... what? The OP mentioned the breeds, I just repeated what he said. Why would the breeds make any difference? They are big dogs, they cause big wounds. Simple as.

Any dog can cause a big wound, even a chihuahua.

If the OP is scared of dogs, then knocking on the guy's door and explaining his concerns is the best way to go. Going straight to the authorities will likely get you a label of being the local busybody and then you'll never get a chance to appear reasonable.

DBCyc · 04-10-2010 11:07am

Shenshen wrote: »

Er... what? The OP mentioned the breeds, I just repeated what he said. Why would the breeds make any difference? They are big dogs, they cause big wounds. Simple as.

Then you would have said this...

Shenshen wrote: »

I can't speak for the OP, but I most certainly wouldn't approach anyone surrounded by a rottweiler and 2 German shepards three dogs...

andreac · 04-10-2010 11:15am

Shenshen wrote: »

Yes.
I don't go anywhere near dogs that aren't on a leash, I've made some very, very bad experiences there.
The only breeds I would except maybe are those who can't open their mouths wide enough to bite.

All dogs can open their mouths wide enough to bite, even tiny dogs.

sellerbarry · 04-10-2010 11:20am

There's a guy who walks by my house every day with a large rotty running up and down 30-40 yards away from him without lead or muzzle. Don't agree with it at all and i'm a dog owner too.

Shenshen · 04-10-2010 11:25am

DBCyc wrote: »

Then you would have said this...

Sorry, if I had realised how paranoid some people are about breeds, I might have.
I personally wouldn't be able to tell them apart, I guess, but there you go:

I wouldn't approach anybody surrounded by 3 dogs that aren't on leads.

andreac · 04-10-2010 11:29am

sellerbarry wrote: »

There's a guy who walks by my house every day with a large rotty running up and down 30-40 yards away from him without lead or muzzle. Don't agree with it at all and i'm a dog owner too.

Would you be bothered if it was a labrador,spaniel or collie? Doubt it, so why does it make a difference if its a rottie?

seaniefr · 04-10-2010 11:34am

Shenshen wrote: »

Sorry, if I had realised how paranoid some people are about breeds, I might have.
I personally wouldn't be able to tell them apart, I guess, but there you go:

I wouldn't approach anybody surrounded by 3 dogs that aren't on leads.

you are required by your local council to keep a dog on a lead at all times and also have them datatagged and have an collar with owners contact details at all times

reeta · 04-10-2010 11:35am

zeds alive wrote: »

There is a guy near me who walks his Rottweiler and 2 German Sheppard's
on the streets without any leads , Is he required to have them on a lead and if so who can I report him to for not doing it?

It is totally against the law to have dogs outside without any leads. Certain parks will allow it up to 11am.. Usually the smaller the dog
the more aggressive they can be. Also people using these "stretch
leads" are a nuisance, half the time the dog is miles away from the owner
and you end up falling over the flippin lead !!!

andreac · 04-10-2010 11:41am

seaniefr wrote: »

you are required by your local council to keep a dog on a lead at all times and also have them datatagged and have an collar with owners contact details at all times

No you arent!! The law states your dog should be under effective control. Some places like parks etc might state that you have to have them on a lead but the general law doesnt, only have to be under control.

andreac · 04-10-2010 11:43am

reeta wrote: »

It is totally against the law to have dogs outside without any leads. Certain parks will allow it up to 11am.. Usually the smaller the dog
the more aggressive they can be. Also people using these "stretch
leads" are a nuisance, half the time the dog is miles away from the owner
and you end up falling over the flippin lead !!!

No it isnt!! Seriously, where do people make up these laws??

The law states that dogs have to be under effective control, not necessarily on a lead.

The only dogs who are required by law to be on a lead are the restricted breeds ones, thats all!!

See copy of the law below:
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1986/en/act/pub/0032/sec0009.html

seamus · 04-10-2010 11:44am

seaniefr wrote: »

you are required by your local council to keep a dog on a lead at all times and also have them datatagged and have an collar with owners contact details at all times

reeta wrote: »

It is totally against the law to have dogs outside without any leads. Certain parks will allow it up to 11am.. Usually the smaller the dog

Just to clarify the above two:

Dogs on the restricted breed list are required to be walked on a short leash (<= 2m), with a muzzle and to wear a collar with a tag at all times.

All other dogs do not have to be on a lead in public, but must be under proper control. Parks and other places are allowed to enforce specific rules and bye-laws about the control of dogs in those places.

There is currently no legal requirement (unfortunately) for any dogs to be datatagged/microchipped.

Please lets not turn this thread into a RB/Non-RB discussion or lead/no-lead discussion. The OP asked for specific advice on what he should do.

VERYinterested · 04-10-2010 11:45am

seaniefr wrote: »

you are required by your local council to keep a dog on a lead at all times and also have them datatagged and have an collar with owners contact details at all times

Even when it's asleep? What country do you live in? Sounds like a pretty draconian place.

crotalus667 · 04-10-2010 11:51am

andreac wrote: »

Would you be bothered if it was a labrador,spaniel or collie? Doubt it, so why does it make a difference if its a rottie?

Do you really need to be told that rotties have a bigger intimidation factor ???

andreac · 04-10-2010 11:54am

crotalus667 wrote: »

Do you really need to be told that rotties have a bigger intimidation factor ???

No, but im sick of restricted breeds being targeted just for their breed. :mad:

Mr. Presentable · 04-10-2010 11:56am

zeds alive wrote: »

There is a guy near me who walks his Rottweiler and 2 German Sheppard's
on the streets without any leads , Is he required to have them on a lead and if so who can I report him to for not doing it?

Yes, and the Gardai.

crotalus667 · 04-10-2010 11:57am

andreac wrote: »

No, but im sick of restricted breeds being targeted just for their breed. :mad:

Tbh people's ignorance is not going to change any time soon , it's funny the different reactions I get when walking my Akita compared to when I am walking my sisters Rottie :rolleyes:

onlyrocknroll · 04-10-2010 11:58am

zeds alive wrote: »

There is a guy near me who walks his Rottweiler and 2 German Sheppard's
on the streets without any leads , Is he required to have them on a lead and if so who can I report him to for not doing it?

If I was in your scenario I'd base my course of action on the impression I got of the guy.

If the guy seems reasonable and approachable, I'd go ask him would he mind useing a lead when he walks them. If you're not confident of doing that when he's with the dogs I'd call to his house or try to get his number of one of your other neighbours.

If he seems like he might take offence and might be less than reasonable about it, perhaps reporting it would wiser.

wolfpawnat · 04-10-2010 12:11pm

seamus wrote: »

Any dog can cause a big wound, even a chihuahua.

Dangerous little feckers, you cant even see them coming!!!!!:mad: Sorry bad experience!!!!

andreac wrote: »

Would you be bothered if it was a labrador,spaniel or collie? Doubt it, so why does it make a difference if its a rottie?

They are a bulkie dog, even if they are friendly they can still blow you over accidently. Plus sadly the Omen movie did nothing good for the rep!!!

reeta wrote: »

Also people using these "stretch
leads" are a nuisance, half the time the dog is miles away from the owner
and you end up falling over the flippin lead !!!

Those things are terrible. You don't have control of the dog!

OP, I know the feeling. I live in an apartment complex and dogs are not permitted. But this guy walks his GS here daily, off the lead and right in the area that all the parents meet and let their children play. Now I am aaware GS's are a great dog and are reknowned for their patience and intelligence, but to be frank, he is in breach of the restricted breeds recommendations as well as allowing a large dog run around in general.

It is intimadating for a person to walk past large dogs let alone 3 on the restricted breeds list. Even if they are just big softies, as they seem to be if they all get along so well. It is a scary thing for some people who only ever hear the bad stories!

OP, is he the type that salutes you, if so he may be outgoing and you can talk to him. Just say you are aware not all of these breeds are as evil as their rep, but you are not comfortable with 3 large dogs around you, irregardless of their breed. If he is a good person and good onwer he will understand. If he gives a scumbag response, report him!

seaniefr · 04-10-2010 12:17pm

VERYinterested wrote: »

Even when it's asleep? What country do you live in? Sounds like a pretty draconian place.

instead of pontificating about please feel free to have a look at the following link:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs/

andreac · 04-10-2010 12:22pm

seaniefr wrote: »

instead of pontificating about please feel free to have a look at the following link:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs/

I have already posted this link on this thread.

seaniefr · 04-10-2010 12:23pm

seaniefr wrote: »

instead of pontificating about please feel free to have a look at the following link:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs/

from the above link:
Stray Dogs

Stray dogs are dogs that are in a public place and are not accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. Dogs that are not under proper control are also considered stray dogs.

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 442 of 1998) impose additional rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog in Ireland:

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

The rules state that:

These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them
These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place
These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.

Wolfe Tone · 04-10-2010 12:25pm

You DO NOT have to have your dog on a lead, merely under control.

seamus · 04-10-2010 12:25pm

seaniefr wrote: »

from the above link:
Stray Dogs

Stray dogs are dogs that are in a public place and are not accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. Dogs that are not under proper control are also considered stray dogs.

That's correct Sean. However it does not state that a dog in a public place under proper control and being accompanied by an owner or responsible person are strays.

There is no legal requirement for dogs generally to be on a lead in a public place.

crotalus667 · 04-10-2010 12:27pm

seaniefr wrote: »

instead of pontificating about please feel free to have a look at the following link:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs/

That only applies to dogs in public once they are on private land they are not required to have a collar or ID

VERYinterested · 04-10-2010 12:33pm

seaniefr wrote: »

instead of pontificating about please feel free to have a look at the following link:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs/

Instead of wasting everyone's time, read the link you have posted. 'Pontificating' :rolleyes:

sellerbarry · 04-10-2010 1:18pm

andreac wrote: »

Would you be bothered if it was a labrador,spaniel or collie? Doubt it, so why does it make a difference if its a rottie?

Look. Why do you think rottys etc are used for security/gaurd dogs instead of Spaniels? Because they look more menacing. I wouldn't mind, but the owner struts around like he owns the neighbourhood too. Think i'll mention it to him next time he walks by. I have a four year old boy who loves dogs, but i'm fc uk ed if i'm leaving him in the garden with a rotty walking by with it's owner 30 yards behind. (without a muzzle)

Btw, I have a shih tzu and it's always on the lead unless it's 6.30 in the morning in a park. Why should law be different for the big boys dogs?

andreac · 04-10-2010 1:49pm

sellerbarry wrote: »

Look. Why do you think rottys etc are used for security/gaurd dogs instead of Spaniels? Because they look more menacing. I wouldn't mind, but the owner struts around like he owns the neighbourhood too. Think i'll mention it to him next time he walks by. I have a four year old boy who loves dogs, but i'm fc uk ed if i'm leaving him in the garden with a rotty walking by with it's owner 30 yards behind. (without a muzzle)

Btw, I have a shih tzu and it's always on the lead unless it's 6.30 in the morning in a park. Why should law be different for the big boys dogs?

There is a law there for restricted breeds so yes hes breaking the law by not having the dogs on a lead.
Its just peoples attitudes to certain breeds that really get to me.

I dont agree with you that they look more menacing, rottweilers are beautiful looking dogs and how anyone can think they look scary and menacing is just pure ignorance.:mad:

adser53 · 04-10-2010 1:52pm

I was only thinking that it's been a while since the good old fashioned devil dog debate raised its ugly head.
Bottom line is yes, his dogs should be on a keash. If his dogs were'nt restricted and running amok nobody would bother reporting him. As soon as its a rottie, gsd, akita or whatever, all of a sudden everyones an "expert" on the law

kylith · 04-10-2010 1:54pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

You DO NOT have to have your dog on a lead, merely under control.

Unless they're a restricted breed, which these are.

zeds alive · 04-10-2010 2:09pm

wolfpawnat wrote: »

OP, is he the type that salutes you, if so he may be outgoing and you can talk to him. Just say you are aware not all of these breeds are as evil as their rep, but you are not comfortable with 3 large dogs around you, irregardless of their breed. If he is a good person and good onwer he will understand. If he gives a scumbag response, report him!

Nah he's a total prick and not the approachable kind , so I would report him... I'm not worried if people think I'm a busybody.

sellerbarry · 04-10-2010 2:13pm

andreac wrote: »

There is a law there for restricted breeds so yes hes breaking the law by not having the dogs on a lead.
Its just peoples attitudes to certain breeds that really get to me.

I dont agree with you that they look more menacing, rottweilers are beautiful looking dogs and how anyone can think they look scary and menacing is just pure ignorance.:mad:

You don't agree that they look more menacing? It's funny how they are the dogs picked to be baddies in movies etc.
Brian Yuzna's upcoming Horror movie "Rottweiler".
The Omen
Rottweiller Dogs of Hell

Need i say any more?
No smoke without fire imo.

DBCyc · 04-10-2010 2:18pm

sellerbarry wrote: »

You don't agree that they look more menacing? It's funny how they are the dogs picked to be baddies in movies etc.
Brian Yuzna's upcoming Horror movie "Rottweiler".
The Omen
Rottweiller Dogs of Hell

Need i say any more?
No smoke without fire imo.

Dogs of Hell - ha! I love that film, but I didn't take it that seriously. Are you also afraid of young boys called Damien?

Aurum · 04-10-2010 2:19pm

TillyGirl wrote: »

Why? Would you say the same if it was a poodle and two labs?

I love large dogs, and I'd certainly have one if I had the space for one, but I can completely understand why someone would be tentative about approaching three large, unleashed dogs. People who may be wary of dogs would subconsciously look at three unleashed Westies and think yes, I'd have a chance of surviving if those dogs became aggressive, whereas with a pack Rotties and German Sheherds, you wouldn't stand much of a chance.

Also, though the breed often suffers unfairly from negative stereotyping, in the US Rottweilers were "listed as the second most likely breed of dog named in fatal human attacks, following Pit Bulls..." If they aren't owned by a responsible, conscientious owner they can become very aggressive and territorial, which is a scary combination in a dog this size. It really shouldn't be that much of an imposition on the owners of the dogs to keep his dogs on a lead until they reach a more open space suitable for exercising large dogs.

andreac · 04-10-2010 2:19pm

sellerbarry wrote: »

You don't agree that they look more menacing? It's funny how they are the dogs picked to be baddies in movies etc.
Brian Yuzna's upcoming Horror movie "Rottweiler".
The Omen
Rottweiller Dogs of Hell

Need i say any more?
No smoke without fire imo.

Ah ffs, are you serious?? Im not even going to lower myself to comment on such a ridiculous reply, pathetic!!!:mad:
Film = Not real life.

Wolfe Tone · 04-10-2010 2:21pm

They are lovely dogs actually.

adser53 · 04-10-2010 2:32pm

sellerbarry wrote: »

You don't agree that they look more menacing? It's funny how they are the dogs picked to be baddies in movies etc.
Brian Yuzna's upcoming Horror movie "Rottweiler".
The Omen
Rottweiller Dogs of Hell

Need i say any more?
No smoke without fire imo.

Ah yes the famous laws of the movie.... All irish people have woeful accents, love a fight and a bit of fiddle-dee-dee music, all romans have british accents, hobbits aren't much use in a scrap, toys come alive when youre not looking and all italian plumbers love mushrooms and will jump on your noggin given half the chance.
There are also imaginary boards laws too...people who talk crap are full of it....oh no wait....that one could be true. No smell of BS without BS

sellerbarry · 04-10-2010 2:37pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

They are lovely dogs actually.

I agree they are lovely dogs. But they are not on the list for nothing. I am sure lots of thought went into putting them on it.

Shenshen · 04-10-2010 2:40pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

They are lovely dogs actually.

All dogs are lovely until they're not.
And yes, the bigger they are, the more they are physically capable of inflicting damage and pain.

andreac · 04-10-2010 2:40pm

sellerbarry wrote: »

I agree they are lovely dogs. But they are not on the list for nothing. I am sure lots of thought went into putting them on it.

What are they on the list for then if you seem to know so much about the whole thing??

Actually thats where you are wrong. No thought went into it at all as if it did then no dogs would be on such a ridiculous list.

People that know absol nothing about dogs or any of the breeds in question were the ones to make up this list.:mad:

andreac · 04-10-2010 2:43pm

Shenshen wrote: »

All dogs are lovely until they're not.
And yes, the bigger they are, the more they are physically capable of inflicting damage and pain.

Exact same can be said about several other breeds of dogs which are big and strong, some of which are far stronger and heavier than the listed ones, but they arent on the list:rolleyes:

Shenshen · 04-10-2010 2:47pm

andreac wrote: »

Exact same can be said about several other breeds of dogs which are big and strong, some of which are far stronger and heavier than the listed ones, but they arent on the list:rolleyes:

As I already said a few times, I don't know the list, and wouldn't recognise which breed a dog is and if that breeds on the list as well.

The reason I'm scared of dogs is because I was attacked by a large one when I was a kid, as was a friend of mine when she was a teenager.
So I'm scared of large dogs.
I wouldn't run screaming from a poodle, but I still would keep my distance.
If somebody walked 3 large, fierce-looking dogs in my area without leashes on them, I wouldn't wonder about what breed they are. I simply would not approach this person, and probably panic and wet myself if the dogs came after me.

I don't know why people seem to bloody paranoid that somebody might be scared of a dog because the dog is on a list. Sounds to me more like the dog made the list because people are scared of them, not the other way around!

Is it required to have a dog on a lead?

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