Nenagh councillors urge greater awareness around owning restricted dog breeds

Nenagh Municipal District Council has been urged to take action to highlight the responsibility of owning a restricted dog breed.

Cllr Joe Hannigan told the district council’s July meeting that he witnessed owners of such dogs walking around the town of Nenagh.

“He urged that owners should have to undergo a training course in how to handle the dogs.

“How can we make the owners aware of their obligations?” he asked.

Cllr Hannigan was supported by District Cathaoirleach Cllr John “Rocky” McGrath.

“These dogs are often bred for security,” he said. “It gives me the creeps to see them walking around.”

Cllr Ger Darcy pointed out that there was an obligation on every dog owner to have their dogs under control.

Orla Kelly of the council’s Environment Section said that the council had carried out campaigns around ownership in the past.

They had put out images of restricted dog breeds and sent out notification about the obligations for having one, she said.

Ms Kelly said the council would look to do a follow-up campaign