Travelling with dog to Ireland,restrictions concerning leads.

[ganesh]

Having posted a question on the travel section regarding dogs and ferries, I was told that there may be restrictions on dogs in Ireland,in that they have to be on a lead/and or muzzled.
Anyone know anything about this,? I hope it aint true as I was looking forward to a country walk type holiday with the dog.

[lankeela]

This for The Republic of Ireland:

Eire

Vistors to the Eire who intend to stay for less than thirty days are not required to get a dog licenec those who stay over thirty days are. In addition, there are a number of breeds that are required to be under strict control in the Republic of Ireland. These are Bandogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, English Bull Terriers, German Shepherd (Alsatians), Japanese Akitas, Japanese Tosas, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers including any other strain or cross or every breed or type of dog so described.

It is necessary to have these dogs controlled by a sufficiently strong chain or leash not more than one metre in length and by a person over the age of 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.

Further, these dogs must be muzzled while in a public place. These dogs must also have collars which identify the dog and give an address. With thanks to the ISPCA for this information link to site.

[lankeela]

Having said that, I know someone who has exported a Belgian Shepherd Dog to someone in Dublin who also has a GSD and she exercises them off the lead together.

I suppose it depends upon your breed. And whether you would be prepared to break the law and risk the consequences.

[ganesh]

Thanks lankeela-I'm talking about a retriever,so I guess that'll be cool.
And I'll only be going for a fortnight-maximum.
Wow-they sound quite strict,are they fairly dog-friendly despite all that?

[lankeela]

I would have thought in dog walking country they would be more relaxed. Let me know whereabouts you are going and I will try to find out from someone in that area.

[ganesh]

Actually, I'm not sure yet and I was probably going to post a question on the nicest area,but I would like to see Galway and I'd probably find a cottage in the countryside nearby.
PS. I'm into forsts,lakes,mountains etc.rather than beaches.
Thanks for being helpful.

[ganesh]

It's probably a question for the travel section,so I may put that there as well.
Thx lankeela.

[Noweia]

Try Donegal - plenty of mountains, and the highest sea cliffs in Europe can be found out to the west, past Killybegs!