Crossmolina woman who failed to control dog is heavily fined
The woman was convicted at Ballina District Court of failing to keep control of her German Shepherd dog.
Mayo County Council’s dog warden has said owners need to show greater vigilance in keeping control of their dogs, particularly larger breeds.
Laura Mulligan made her comments in the wake of a recent court case where a North Mayo woman was heavily fined for allowing her German Shepherd dog out in public without a lead or muzzle. Jacinta O’Malley, St Mary’s Park, Crossmolina was convicted at Ballina District Court of two counts of failing to keep the dog under control, three counts of the dog having no muzzle and two counts of the dog having no lead. These charges arose from three separate incidents and Ms O'Malley was fined €1,300 by Judge Adrian Harris.
Ms Mulligan told the that dog owners can face hefty fines and a court appearance should they be found in breach of the Control of Dogs Act or separate legislation covering restricted breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Bull Terriers.
“It is not just large dogs that need to be kept under control, all dog owners need to keep dogs under control at all times,” she explained. “Owners need to be more vigilant of larger dogs as they can cause larger injuries.
“A lot of owners have a perception that their dog is harmless but many of the general public have a fear of dogs or maybe an underlying condition like brittle bone. A large dog would easily toss someone over if it jumped up,” she said.
The dog warden added that the most common fines are for a dog being off its lead or out of control in a public place.
“These regulations are there to protect you and your dog. If your large dog isn’t muzzled, on a lead and under the control of someone over 16 who can physically control them, you are not adhering to the rules.”
Ms Mulligan said her office is always willing to respond to complaints regarding the behaviour of dogs. They will ascertain the situation, make contact with the dog owner and try to resolve the issues. This usually begins with a verbal warning and then escalates towards the issuing of a fixed penalty notice, if necessary, which if unpaid can result in a court summons.
“The vast majority of people, once you bring it to their attention, will realise there is an issue but sometimes the problems can persist.
“There are 15 different notices under the Control of Dogs Act, in addition to notices for restricted breeds. Fines were €100 each up to December 1 last year, but have been now increased. The greater the offence, the greater the amount of the fine,” she said.
“If it goes in front of a judge, the judge can increase the fine that needs to be paid.”
Ms Mulligan added that her office wished to remind the public that as it is lambing season, those living in the countryside should ensure their dogs are kept under control and on a lead at all times.
“As a dog owner, you would be responsible for any damages or losses incurred as a result of your dog attacking an animal.”
