Guide dog attacked by 'a rat of dog' at Kildare sports event
‘There is a need for more dog wardens in Kildare’
A woman had to leave a local sports fixture after her guide dog was attacked by “a rat of a dog.”
This was the claim made by a local politician.
Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear said this was down to people letting their dogs off the lead and he called for the appointment of dog wardens in each of the local authority areas of the county.
At a Kildare County Council meeting, Cllr Brendan Wyse asked about KCC’s role in controlling dogs and what it does to tackle “repeated situations of loose dogs in order to prevent injury to members of the public.”
Cllr Wyse said dogs are roaming parts of west Kildare “for the past two years”. He said a person had been bitten and a man was knocked off his bicycle by dogs.
“Some people are incapable of minding their animals, we need to be stronger on this. If someone can't mind an animal they shouldn’t have it,” he said.
Cllr Chris Pender said that if a few incidents have taken place “it’s only a matter of time before a serious incident takes place.”
Cllr Tim Durkan said he was aware of an incident where a resident was afraid to report a restricted dog breed because the offender was a neighbour and he said people walk these animals without muzzles and cited a case of a person owning a number of XL Bullies.
KCC official Marain Higgins said the dog wardens are very active and issues reported will be followed up, including complaints of restricted breeds.
Ms Higgins also said the wardens take cases to court and investigate complaints from the gardaí and the public.
The wardens manage the shelter in Ballitore, look after stray and unwanted dogs and can seize dogs not under control in a public place and have them impounded.
Ms Higgins said owners play a vital role in preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of others.
Dogs, including pups over 12 weeks, must be micro-chipped by a registered veterinary practice with owner details recorded, which makes it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners. Every dog must also wear a collar badge or tag displaying the owner's name and contact information.
All dogs must be kept under control when in any public place and certain breeds must always be leashed, muzzled and accompanied by a person over the age of 16 years when in a public place.
Under the Act, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs regardless of prior behaviour or negligence.
Any dog attack should be reported to the gardaí.