An FOI request sent into Fingal County Council revealed that €3,100 was claimed by Fingal County Council from the months of August and September in fines issued as a result of people not having dog licences.

Under Section 2 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, dog owners in Ireland must own a licence for their dogs. A standard dog licence costs €20 per year and can be obtained from any local post office.

The law states that it is considered unlawful to not own a dog licence for your dog, and is punishable through fines.

Licences are not required for guide dogs and when adopting, a licence must be purchased before the adoption can take place.

By Daniel Osborne