Dog wardens in Donegal are scheduled to conduct patrols in the Creeslough, Portnablagh, Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, and Gortahork regions in the coming weeks.
These patrols are being implemented due to a recent surge in complaints regarding irresponsible dog ownership.
Donegal County Council issued a notice stating, “Please ensure your dogs are under control at all times and that you possess a valid dog license, which you may be asked to present.”
“Owners found to have dogs “out of control” may face a €300 fine, and “keeping a dog without a license” can result in a €150 fine. (A comprehensive list of offenses is detailed under the Control of Dogs Act, 2023 S.I. No. 540/2023).”
Earlier this year, there were calls for increased dog control in north west coastal areas following incidents involving livestock and unleashed dogs on beaches.
Dogs are prohibited from designated Blue Flag areas on Donegal beaches (excluding assistance dogs) between 12 noon and 7 pm daily, from June 1st to September 15th annually.
Outside these restricted hours, dog owners are permitted on all beach areas, provided they keep their dogs under control or on a leash of fixed length less than 2 meters.
Assistance dogs and Garda dogs are exempt from these restrictions and are allowed at all times.
A map illustrating the Blue Flag areas on each beach is available at https://donegal.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interactivelegend/index.html?appid=31a615d5b02e488ab221a1aaadbad308
Dog wardens planning patrols across north west Donegal was last modified: June 14th, 2025 by
