Increased park patrols encourage responsible dog ownership in Limerick

LIMERICK City and County Council’s Dog Wardens and members of An Garda Siochana are stepping up patrols in Limerick’s parks and other public spaces with an increased focus on dog control.

New signage is also being erected in public areas encouraging responsible dog ownership.

The signs remind dog owners:

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Restricted breeds must be muzzled, kept on a short leash and led by someone over the age of 16.

Bag it, Bin it – Clean up after your Dog.

Administrative Officer, Veterinary Services at Limerick City and County Council, Sinead Hourigan says the objective of the signage and additional patrols is public safety: “We want to make sure our parks and other public spaces are safe for all Limerick citizens to enjoy. We are asking dog owners to be respectful of others and to remember that loose or straying dogs can be a cause of stress and concern to others.”

Garda Superintendent Andrew Lacey, Community Engagement Limerick City said: 

“This is part of our ongoing campaign in partnership with Limerick City and County Council which aims to increase awareness and responsibility among dog owners. While we seek to inform, we are also enforcing laws regarding the muzzling and leash requirements for restricted dog breeds. These measures are crucial to prevent incidents that could cause harm to people, other animals, and property. It is imperative that dog owners take personal responsibility for their pets’ actions.”

In Ireland restricted dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be:

Kept on a short strong lead (under 2 metres)

With someone over the age of 16, who is able to control them

Muzzled when in a public place

Wearing a collar with the name and address of their owner, at all times

READ MORE: Limerick mother shares ‘amazing’ experience at UMHL’s lactation station

The current list of restricted breeds in Ireland:

American Pit Bull Terrier

Bull Mastiff

Doberman Pinscher

English Bull Terrier

German Shepherd (Alsatian)

Japanese Akita

Japanese Tosa

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rottweiler

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Ban Dog (every other strain or cross of a restricted breed) 

The Department of Rural and Community Development introduced new ownership rules on October 1 to protect public safety following a number of attacks by XL Bully type dogs.

It is now illegal to import, breed, rehome or resell an XL Bully dog.

Ownership of an XL Bully, without a certificate of exemption, will be illegal from February 1, 2025

Find out more about these law changes on Limerick.ie.

The fee to surrender restricted breeds at Limerick Dog Shelter is currently being waived.

Every effort is made to rehome dogs that enter Limerick Dog Shelter where it is appropriate to do so. Rehoming is done on a case-by-case basis after an assessment by the Dog Control Team. Dogs that are unsuitable for rehoming are humanely euthanised in the interest of public safety.

If you wish to report a stray or dangerous dog or rehome a dog please call Limerick City and County Council Dog Shelter on 061 301604.