Dog wardens to inspect Mayo town next week

Mayo County Council has advised pet owners that dog wardens will be out and about inspecting Charlestown and surrounding areas next week.

Animal owners are obliged to have a licence for dogs that are four months or older.

A one-year dog licence is priced at €20 while a lifetime licence is €140. A general dog licence, which covers multiple dogs, costs €400 and is valid for one year.

As of December 2023, an on-the-spot fine of €150 can be issued for not having a dog licence in order. If the fine is not paid, the dog owner can be prosecuted in the District Court with a maximum penalty of €2,500 or three months imprisonment, or both.

An annual or lifetime licence can be purchased online (www.licences.ie) or from the local post office while a general dog licence application must be sent to the local authority.

Awareness campaigns about the responsibilities of dog owners are currently being run with dog wardens inspecting Swinford and surrounding areas this week.