Rules for restricted breeds in Ireland
This law is the The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 442 of 1998). The rules state (but we encourage all dog owners to read the statue themselves):
Judging whether your dog is a banned breed
A council dog warden, or an expert used by the council, will assess your dogs physical characteristics. They will judge the type of dog you have and whether it appears to be a banned breed. Following the assessment, the council will decide either of the following:
You can give up ownership of your dog but you cannot be forced to. If you do, your dog could be destroyed without a court order.
Dog wardens have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines for anyone found in breach of these regulations. They can request the name and address of a person suspected of an offence and have the power to seize and detain any dog. If you obstruct a dog warden in the course of his or her work, you can be arrested.
It is an offence to keep a dog unless you have a licence. Annual licences for individual dogs are issued by the post office, but you can obtain a general licence for multiple dogs from your local authority. You can also now get a ‘lifetime of dog’ licence issued by your local authority. Puppies under four months don’t need a licence unless they are taken away from their mother.
As a responsible dog owner, it is recommended that you are familiar with Goverment Regulation and Acts concerning dog ownership. Under these acts, you are liable for injury or damage caused by your dog to people or livestock and you can be disqualified from keeping a dog if you have been convicted of cruelty to a dog under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Click
Your dog must be accompanied by a responsible person and under effective control at all times, preferably on a lead in public places. Many local authorities have introduced by-laws that indicate areas where dogs are prohibited or must be kept on a leash. Be sure to check these regulations with your local authority. Your dog must also wear a collar and identification bearing the name and address of the owner at all times.
Excessive dog barking that causes a nuisance is also an offence under Noise Regulations. The District Court can make an order requiring the reduction of excessive barking, limiting the number of dogs that can be kept on a premises or directing that a dog be delivered to a dog warden as an unwanted dog.