Control of Dogs Act, 1986 (Guard Dogs) Regulations, 1988

Kilkenny County Council wishes to highlight to the public, the requirements of the above Guard Dog Regulations as described below. Should you have any queries on the registration of Guard Dog Kennels or other associated issues please contact the Environment Section, Kilkenny County Council on 056 7794470.

CONTROL OF GUARD DOGS
A person shall not use or permit the use of a guard dog at:-

a premises used for the purposes of any trade, profession, vocation, sport or recreation,

a premises where building or other construction work is taking place,

a premises used for the purposes of clubs providing facilities to their members or their guests

unless the dog is:

accompanied by and under the control of a person who is on the premises, or
is so secured that is not at liberty to go freely about the premises or to escape therefrom; and
that a notice containing a warning that a guard dog is present is clearly exhibited at each entrance to the premises being guarded or, where the premises are not enclosed, in a prominent location thereon. The notice shall:
be not less than 0.5 square metres in area,
include a large drawing of the outline or the silhouette of the head and shoulders of a German Shepherd (Alastian) dog, and
include the words ‘BEWARE GUARD DOG’ in large lettering.

The following premises are exempt:-
premises used or guarded by members of the Garda Siochana or of the Defense Forces in the execution of their duty,
premises which belong to or are occupied by the owner of the dog and which comprise a dwelling house occupied by him,
agricultural premises.

REGISTRATION OF GUARD DOG KENNELS

A person keeping five guard dogs or more aged over four months must register the premises with the local authority in their area.
Registration of guard dog kennels shall be for a period of twelve months and may be renewed annually.