Louth's Cllr Sheridan calls for more visible dog licence checks

Louth County Councillor John Sheridan, has called on Louth County Council to have more visible dog licence checks to boost compliance of licensing and microchipping.

Cllr Sheridan raised the issue at the Louth County Council January meeting, suggesting measures that might be of benefit around compliance.

Director of Services Joe McGuinness, told the meeting that the most successful method they have found in checking dog licenses was by going door to door.

In comments to the Dundalk Democrat following the meeting, Cllr Sheridan said that, “in light of the recent media coverage of tragic cases of dog attacks, I have been investigating the area of dog licensing compliance and dog microchipping.

“People are sometimes spending hundred of euro purchasing a dog, but may not be getting their licence and microchip.”

The mid Louth councillor continued, “at this months County Council meeting, I asked was there better ways for dog licence and microchipping compliance checks to be done? In 2021 there were 6526 dog licences issued in Louth.

“However academic estimates suggest there may dogs in approximated 25-33% of homes, so for Louth that could be between 12000 to 18000 given we have just over 50000 occupied houses in the County in the 2022 census.

“In 2021, Louth County Council’s income from dogs was over €176,000 but outgoings were over €217,000. So if there is poor compliance with dog licensing that’s missed revenue for the County Council. Government figures suggest Louth has quite a high compliance nationally, Louth is ranked 9th for the amount of dog licences issued per human population.”

Cllr Sheridan continued, “I have suggested that perhaps dog wardens should attend popular walking routes in a bid to drive compliance with dog licensing and microchipping. I have also asked if the Council engage with vets in the area about dog licensing and microchipping. Higher compliance is better for everyone.”

He further added, “I thank Director of Services Joe McGuinness for his response at the meeting and follow up afterwards.”