A local councillor has criticised the lack of dog fines issued in Co Cavan.
Cavan County Council has not issued one single fine under the Dog Control Act in the past four years. According to Aontu's Sarah O' Reilly this statistic is "very disturbing." In a statement issued to Northern Sound, Cllr O'Reilly said that people expect to be protected from dangerous dogs.
She added that it is "incredible" that Cavan County Council is struggling to get to grips with this issue. Cllr O'Reilly continued; "Restricted breeds must, by law, be muzzled, but we know this is being flouted every day of the week. Attacks by dogs on both people and other animals are at the very least traumatic and at worst can be life changing and or, fatal. We know that arracks are rising; last year alone 1,500 attacks throughout the country were reported to the Gardai" .
"There was an horrific attack on a young boy last year and the Government established a working group and this was to examine enforcement , the deployment of dog wardens and fines. On the spot fines were increased to €300. However, you can have all the deterrents in the world but they are useless unless they are enforced. Cavan County Council really has to do better."
