Expanded dog control service, upgraded pound and new initiatives planned

Westmeath County Council have significantly strengthened dog control services with additional staff, a seven-day-a-week countywide operation, major upgrades to the dog pound and a series of new enforcement and welfare initiatives planned for 2026.

Councillors were told at their January meeting, held last week in Mullingar, that two new dog wardens, Emma Briggs and Raymond Byrne, took up duty in May, doubling staffing levels in the service.

Senior engineer Ambrose Clarke said the appointment of the additional wardens has allowed for greater visibility across the county and faster responses to complaints involving stray, uncontrolled or dangerous dogs.

“Before, we only had one dog warden, so we are delighted to now have two staff in place,” he said. The expanded team has enabled the introduction of a seven-day-a-week service operating across the county, with high-visibility and irregular patrols in housing estates and public areas, an issue previously raised by councillors, particularly in Athlone.

Mr Clarke said: “With two wardens, it’s much easier to reach areas we couldn’t get to before.” He said enforcement and licensing would be an increasing focus in 2026 and beyond, including on-the-spot fines for non-compliance, investigations into complaints and enforcement of regulations governing restricted breeds.

Councillors also heard that a long-awaited upgrade of the Westmeath dog pound has now been completed, apart from minor snagging works.

Mr Clarke said the facility had remained largely unchanged for decades prior to the renovation, and the completed project significantly improves conditions for both animals and staff.

The upgrade has increased capacity at the pound and includes new isolation facilities for sick animals, a dedicated wellbeing area for pregnant dogs and enhanced outdoor exercise spaces.

Working conditions for staff have also been transformed, and include new showering, laundry, kitchen and food preparation facilities.

“The facilities weren’t great for our wardens previously,” Mr Clarke said. “Now they have proper supports in place.”

The project also included upgraded office and IT facilities linked to the council’s environment administration team, an enhanced reception area for visitors and electric vehicle charging points.

The council currently operate an electric dog warden vehicle and plan to transition to two zero-emission vehicles later in 2026.

An official opening and public open day is planned to showcase the upgraded pound and highlight successful rehoming stories.

Looking ahead, councillors were told the council is considering introducing a discounted microchipping service in 2026 to encourage compliance among dog owners.

Mr Clarke said microchipping is a legal requirement and a critical tool in reuniting lost dogs with their owners and enforcing dog control legislation. “Sometimes people are well-meaning but forget to complete the paperwork,” he said. “When a dog goes missing, microchipping makes all the difference.”

New standard operating procedures have already been introduced at the dog pound, including enhanced welfare checks, tailored feeding plans and in-house microchipping carried out by trained wardens. All puppies must be microchipped by breeders before sale, and new owners are required to register ownership using documentation supplied by the breeder.

Mr Clarke said difficulties can arise when tracing microchip numbers, and enforcement in that area will be strengthened next year.

Additional initiatives planned for 2026 include school visits, increased engagement with housing estates, collaboration with the Green Dog Walkers programme and a targeted media campaign reminding owners to licence and microchip their dogs.

Owners warned of responsibilities under ‘Control of Dogs Act, 1986’

Dog owners in Westmeath are being reminded of their legal responsibilities under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, and council officials warn that failure to comply can result in fines or prosecution.

Ambrose Clarke said the legislation empowers local authorities to appoint dog wardens, operate dog pounds, issue fines, and initiate court proceedings where required.

"All of this is about control of dogs and public safety," he said. "Sometimes people don’t realise what their legal responsibilities actually are."

Dog owners are required to hold a valid licence for dogs over four months old, at a cost of €20 per year or €140 for a lifetime licence. Dogs also have to wear collars with identification.

In public places, dogs must be kept under effective control, and restricted breeds are required to be muzzled and on a strong lead, held by a person over 16 years of age.

Owners are legally responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs and must clean up after them in public areas. Dogs must also be microchipped and registered with the owner’s name and address.

Mr Clarke said unpaid on-the-spot fines, which range from €150 to €300 depending on the offence, can result in prosecution in the district court, and there is a possibility of higher fines or imprisonment.

"While we don’t want to go to court, that’s where we have to go if we have to," he said.