Donegal’s dog wardens are set to visit the Creeslough, Portnablagh, Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, and Gortahork areas over the coming weeks.
The patrols are in response to a high volume of complaints received recently of irresponsible dog ownership practices.
“Please make sure that your dogs are under control at all times and have a current license which you may be asked to produce,” said a notice from Donegal County Council.
“Owners whose dogs are found to be “out of control” can be issued with a €300 fine and “keeping a dog without a licence” can attract a fine of €150. (Full list of offences can be found under the Control of Dogs Act, 2023 S.I. No. 540/2023)”.
This year, there have been calls for more dog control in north west coastal areas after incidents of livestock worrying and dogs loose on beaches.
Blue Flag beaches in Donegal do not allow dogs (apart from assistance dogs) in designated blue flag areas from 1st June until 15th September annually between the hours of 12noon and 7pm daily.
Outside of the restriction times, dog owners are permitted on all areas of the beaches but are required to keep dogs under control or on a leash of fixed length of less than 2 metres.
Assistance or Garda dogs are not included in the restriction and will be permitted at all times.
A map of blue flag areas on each beach is available at https://donegal.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interactivelegend/index.html?appid=31a615d5b02e488ab221a1aaadbad308
