‘Great to see the dog warden out and about’ in west Donegal

The calls for a more visible presence of Dog Wardens in Donegal have been delivered. 

The issue was highlighted at last month’s Glenties Municipal District Meeting and again at the January Plenary Meeting of Donegal County Council. 

Glenties MD and Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Carr called for a comprehensive countywide campaign to be put in place to tackle dog fouling and irresponsible dog owners. To include a public awareness and media campaign, improved signage in communities, provision of dog waste bags and dispensers, increased visible Dog Warden presence, and a strengthened enforcement approach, including prosecutions for dog fouling, dogs running loose, and failure to remove and properly dispose of dog waste.

“Great to see the dog warden out and about in this area today,” Councillor Carr said. “I had a chat with them and they will be around sharing information on responsible dog ownership.

“They have also confirmed they will be regularly covering Glenties, Ardara, Narin, Fintown, Lettermacaward and Doochary going forward.”

Donegal’s Dog Warden service was previously carried out by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) for over 25 years. This task has now been outsourced to Midland Animal Care, following the closure of the animal rehabilitation centre in Ballyare. 

There are currently two full-time Dog Wardens employed throughout the county, but it is expected that the number will increase to three. Wardens are responsible for checking dog licences, seizing stray dogs, taking care of seized dogs, re-homing dogs suitably, and liaising with the public who have concerns. 

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According to Donegal County Council Dog Control Service, all dog owners are reminded that it is an offence to: keep a dog without a current licence; keep a dog which is not microchipped; allow your dog to stray outside your property unless it is under control; have restricted breeds in a public place without a muzzle; and have restricted breeds in a public place without a leash. These offences result in fines on the spot ranging from €150 to €300. 

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